psychology counseling

Multiculturalism

 

Counselors have an ethical obligation to deliver services that are respectful of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity includes race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, physical ability, sexual orientation, religion and nationality. Counselors are at risk for acting unethically when they do not consider the values of non-dominant cultures and exhibit insensitivity toward individual and group variations. Discrimination is not ethical or acceptable behavior from a helping professional. Counselors may be vulnerable to cultural tunnel vision, the belief that other cultures are similar to one’s own culture. Wrenn (1962) identified cultural encapsulation as a significant problem in the helping profession. Culturally encapsulated counselors see reality through one culture and are insensitive to cultural diversity. They hold steadfast to cultural assumptions and biases, and are unwilling to explore alternative views or positions. Pederson (2003) encourages counselors to identify and evaluate personal assumptions and biases to enhance awareness of culture similarities and differences. Pederson (2008) affirms that cultural awareness and the application of culturally sensitive interventions enhance the overall quality of psychological practice. Cultural pluralism refers to the recognition of cultural diversity and respect for diversity in beliefs and values. To practice effectively and ethically, the therapist must be culturally self-aware, as these beliefs and biases impact the therapeutic relationship.

 

Individualisitic and Collectivistic Cultures

 

An important cultural distinction for all practitioners is to be able to understand the common values, mores, beliefs, and worldviews of individualistic versus collectivistic cultures. Triandis (1995) contextualized these cultural categories in terms of a) prioritizing the self and independence (Individualism) as opposed to, b) prioritizing the community and selflessness (Collectivism). Individualistic ideals are typically prominent in Western civilizations while collectivistic ideals are typically prominent in the East. People who embody individualism usually prioritize personality traits such as assertiveness and strength, while collectivistictic individuals usually hold generosity and sensitivity in high-regard. An important distinction between these two cultural categories is a prioritization of values (Van Hoorn, 2015). As such, when discussing goals, offering advice, formulating plans, understanding client etiology, or engaging in general counseling, understanding these inherent priorities is crucial in the practitioner-client relationship.

 

Traditional psychological services are rooted in Western assumptions, which may result in the underutilization of services by minority or collectvistic clients. Many clients do not have the resources take time off from work to drive to appointments. To reach culturally diverse client populations, therapists must be willing to deliver services in non-traditional ways, such as through home-based therapy. These efforts are fundamental to establishing trust and building rapport. In addition, therapists may need to open their view of mental health services to include support systems, such as religious or spiritual figures, self-help groups, family and peers as resources in treatment.Many psychological theories and practices are based on the culture of mainstream America. The individualistic approach focuses on the self over others, and may not be well-suited to clients who embrace collectivist cultures. It is important for the therapist to understand the client’s perspective and work within this structure when providing services (Corey et al., 2015). There are many common assumptions related to the therapeutic process. It is important for therapists to evaluate their own assumptions and biases to ensure they are acting in the best interests of the client.  Many Western therapists view self-disclosure as healthy and appropriate in the therapeutic relationship. Disclosing personal information to an authority figure may not be viewed as appropriate in other cultures. Clients who are Asian American, African American or Native American may feel pressured to disclose personal information. The pressure may impact their decision to return for subsequent appointments. Self-assertion and directness are valued in Western therapy. Many mainstream therapists equate directness with respect, whereas some cultures may be more comfortable with indirect forms of communicating respect. A common assumption of Western therapists is that all clients want to achieve self-actualization. It is important for therapists to consider how the self-actualization of the individual may affect the overall family dynamic or other important relationships. There are also common assumptions about nonverbal behavior, specifically with regard to eye contact, personal space, silence, clothing, sense of time, etc. 

 

The Evolution of Sexual Identification 

 

Diversity also encompasses sexual orientation. Early in the practice of psychology, heterosexuality was the only socially acceptable sexual orientation. Any other sexual orientation was considered a problem that required treatment. In the Late 1990's and early 2000's nomenclature evolved to include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) population. As of 2019, this classificatory system of sexual identification has evolved to include Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Asexual, Agender, Ally, and a plus sign (LGTBQIA+) to cover anyone not included in the aforementioned categories (see Yarns Abrams, Meeks, & Sewell, 2016). Today, helping professionals focus on the problems of these individuals versus viewing them as the problem. It is not appropriate or professional to discriminate toward LBGTQIA+ clients. Working with LBGTQIA+ clients requires counselors to challenge personal biases, fears, and stereotypes related to sexual orientation. It is also important for counselors to consider the relationship between societal factors and the treatment of LBGTQIA+ individuals. Counselors need to be aware that heterosexism is pervasive in society, and often perpetuates negative views of LBGTQIA+ individuals. Indeed, this intricate classification system can difficult completely understand, and counselors working with LBGTQIA+ individuals should be familiar with the competencies identified by the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling (Corey et al., 2015). Counselors are likely to work with individuals who have a mental, medical or medical disability. It is important for counselors to focus treatment on the person and not the disability. Diagnoses do not sufficiently capture the client’s experience of the disability or the client’s overall daily functioning.  The goal of counseling is to help the client attain optimal levels of psychosocial functioning.  As with any therapeutic process, the counselor should work collaboratively with the client.