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Evaluate the bicultural conflict and tension experienced by both the social work intern and Helen due to their ethnic and racial identities. Explain how, as a social worker, you might address Helen and her family’s bicultural socialization needs, considering the perspectives shared by your colleagues.

Paper For Above instruction

In multicultural social work practice, understanding the bicultural conflicts and tensions experienced by clients and practitioners is vital for effective service delivery. Helen Petrakis’s case exemplifies how cultural and ethnic identities influence perceptions, behaviors, and interactions within therapeutic settings. Both Helen and the social work intern navigate complex bicultural landscapes, where their differing cultural backgrounds may generate misunderstandings, assumptions, and stress.

Helen’s Greek heritage and adherence to traditional cultural roles inherently shape her identity and caregiving expectations. Her primary role as a caregiver, supporting her family and maintaining cultural practices, aligns with her ethnocultural values emphasizing family cohesion and filial piety. This stands in contrast to the intern’s possibly Anglo-centric background, where independence and individualism are often prioritized. Such cultural differences can result in conflict or tension; the intern may perceive Helen's behaviors as overburdened or inefficient, while Helen may feel misunderstood or judged by external, unfamiliar standards.

This bicultural tension manifests as a clash between Helen’s cultural norms that emphasize familial obligation and the intern's possibly unconscious cultural biases favoring independence and self-care autonomy. The intern’s surprise or discomfort with Helen’s caregiving roles can create a barrier to culturally sensitive practice. Without proper understanding and cultural humility, the intern’s perception of Helen might be characterized by a deficiency framework, perceiving her efforts as excessive or maladaptive rather than culturally normative (Bernal, Jiménez-Chafey, & Rodriguez, 2009).

Addressing these bicultural conflicts requires a culturally competent approach that affirms Helen’s cultural background while supporting her mental health needs. As a social worker, employing the Dual Perspective Model is crucial. This involves understanding Helen’s cultural norms from her perspective, appreciating her caregiving role, and recognizing the value systems she upholds. Simultaneously, it’s essential to help Helen develop flexible coping strategies that integrate her cultural identity with her individual needs. Promoting cultural humility through active listening, asking culturally sensitive questions, and engaging in cultural education can bridge gaps of misunderstanding (Robbins, Chatterjee, & Canda, 2012).

Practically, addressing Helen’s bicultural socialization needs entails facilitating her access to culturally relevant support networks and resources that respect her values. For instance, family-centered interventions that recognize her role as a caregiver could be incorporated into treatment plans, involving community or religious organizations that align with her Greek Orthodox beliefs. Psychoeducation about mental health within a cultural context can empower Helen to seek help while maintaining her cultural identity, reducing internal conflict and external stigma (Sue et al., 2009).

Furthermore, fostering the intern’s cultural competence through training and supervision helps prevent bias and promotes empathy. An ongoing reflective practice can enhance their ability to navigate bicultural tensions, ensuring care that is both culturally sensitive and effective. This approach supports Helen’s resilience and integration of her cultural identity into her healing process while mitigating potential conflicts rooted in cultural misunderstandings.

References

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