CULTURAL BACKGROUND 1
Cultural Background
Victoria Duncan
Liberty University
COUC504: Multicultural Counseling
Dr. Lacey Ricks
April 6, 2025
This paper examines how my Irish and Lebanese heritages have shaped my personal
identity and approach to counseling. It reflects on how these cultural influences have impacted
my family dynamics, values, spirituality, and worldview, emphasizing the importance of cultural
awareness in counseling practice. By integrating the insights gained from both cultures, I aim to
better serve a diverse client population, especially in areas of social justice and client advocacy.
As I move forward in my counseling career, these cultural experiences will guide my work,
ensuring that I create an inclusive and empathetic therapeutic environment. Through this paper,
I explore how my cultural background informs my counseling approach and my commitment to
fostering meaningful, culturally competent relationships with clients.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 2
Cultural Background and Identity
I identify with a multi-cultural background, with significant influences from both Irish and
Lebanese heritages. These two cultures have profoundly shaped my family dynamics, values,
and personal identity. Growing up in a family that embodied these two distinct cultural
traditions, I was exposed to diverse customs, practices, and perspectives, enriching my life in
meaningful ways.
My Irish heritage, deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and traditions of storytelling and
community, taught me the importance of family bonds, ritual, and social cohesion. My Lebanese
roots, while also intertwined with strong familial ties, are informed by a culture that values
hospitality, respect for elders, and a rich history of agriculture and food as central to the
formation of identity.
I have long recognized that understanding the intersection of these two cultures allows
me to create a nuanced view of identity and practice. While I strongly identify with both
cultures, I have at times had to reconcile their differences and integrate them into a cohesive
understanding of myself. My awareness of my cultural background began early, as my family
emphasized maintaining connections to both Irish and Lebanese traditions. My dual identity has
fostered in me a deep respect for diversity and an understanding of the ways in which culture
shapes behavior, belief systems, and interpersonal dynamics.
Throughout my childhood, I observed how my family members navigated their identities
in different spaces. While I never had the opportunity to visit either Lebanon or Ireland, I was
fortunate enough to have extended family members from both cultures, and their homes
became an essential part of my life. When I visited relatives on my Irish side, I was immersed in
the community-driven culture of the Irish countryside, where life revolved around gatherings in
town halls and parishes. Similarly, when visiting relatives on my Lebanese side, I observed a
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 3
culture deeply rooted in the family unit, with an emphasis on hospitality and communal living
that transcended social class or background. These contrasting experiences helped me develop
an adaptable sense of self, one that could move fluidly between different cultural norms and
expectations.
Prominent Customs and Practices
The Irish side of my family emphasized the importance of community, hospitality, and a
strong work ethic. These values were central to how we interacted with extended family
members and others in our community. I was taught to be open to others, always offering a
warm welcome to guests and showing respect for those around us. Irish culture has a tradition
of strong familial bonds, particularly between parents and children, and these values were
instilled in me from an early age. I grew up learning the importance of helping others in times of
need and how shared meals and gatherings were opportunities to build relationships and
strengthen community ties (Irish Central, 2021).
One of the most cherished traditions in my family was that every Sunday we would eat
at my Irish great-grandmother’s house. This weekly gathering wasn’t just about food but about
family togetherness and connection. The time spent together on Sundays provided an
opportunity for us to bond as a family and share stories about our lives, family history, and
traditions. This ritual instilled in me the value of spending time with loved ones and the
importance of familial support, even in times of struggle. Additionally, Irish storytelling
traditions were a central part of these gatherings, where my grandparents would recount stories
of their own upbringing and the history of our ancestors. These traditions helped me form a
deeper connection with my family’s past and a sense of pride in our shared heritage.
While the Irish side placed a strong emphasis on community bonds and social cohesion,
the Lebanese side introduced a focus on hospitality, familial respect, and food as integral to
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 4
cultural identity. Food played a central role during family gatherings, with dishes like kibbeh and
hummus taking center stage. We celebrated significant religious holidays like Christmas and
Easter, and meals were opportunities for deep conversation, story-sharing, and strengthening
bonds within the family. Lebanese culture is famous for its hospitality, and many of my relatives
would go out of their way to ensure guests felt welcome and at home. This emphasis on
hospitality is something I carry with me today, as I understand that fostering a sense of
belonging is vital in any relationship, especially in the therapeutic environment (Lebanese
American
University, 2020).
The Lebanese side adheres to more traditional gender roles, with specific expectations
for men and women in the household. These customs have shaped my understanding of
respect, responsibility, and the importance of nurturing familial relationships (McGoldrick,
Giordano, & Garcia-Preto, 2021). In particular, I observed how women were often expected to
manage the household and care for the children, while men played a more outwardly visible
role as providers. While these roles were not rigidly enforced, they nonetheless influenced my
perceptions of gender and family dynamics. Growing up in a household where these roles were
present helped me recognize the ways in which cultural expectations influence behavior,
something I now reflect on in my counseling approach.
Influence of Cultural Background on Spirituality
Both Irish and Lebanese backgrounds have shaped my spirituality in distinct ways. My
Irish heritage brought with it a strong Catholic foundation, with regular attendance at Mass and
a reverence for religious traditions. In contrast, my Lebanese heritage introduced me to a more
diverse spiritual practice, with many of my relatives adhering to various branches of Eastern
Christianity. These traditions, though originating from different branches of Christianity, share
many common themes, such as devotion, community, and reverence for family.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 5
Through these spiritual practices, I learned that faith not only provides guidance and
strength but also fosters a sense of belonging and community. Irish Catholicism emphasized
personal devotion and adherence to ritual, which I saw reflected in the way my Irish family
members connected with their faith. The religious practices of my Lebanese family, however,
were centered around communal worship and the role of the church in uniting families and
communities. This communal focus on spirituality, where individuals’ lives are deeply
intertwined with their religious identity, helped me understand the importance of belonging
and community in a spiritual context.
The Irish side of my family placed a high value on Catholic rituals, such as prayer, Mass,
and the observance of the liturgical calendar, instilling in me a sense of discipline and
commitment to spiritual practice. Meanwhile, the Lebanese traditions emphasized communal
worship and the strong ties between church and family life. Many of my Lebanese relatives lived
in close-knit communities, where church activities were central to daily life. These experiences
have influenced my spiritual journey, encouraging me to view spirituality as not only a personal
matter but also as a communal practice (Moore-Thomas, 2021).
As I reflect on these two influences, I realize that my spiritual beliefs have been informed
by the melding of these two cultures. The sense of reverence for family, faith, and community
has shaped my worldview, teaching me to approach others with an open heart and a willingness
to understand their personal experiences.
New Information About Family’s Cultural Background
Through conversations with my parents, I learned that my Irish ancestors immigrated to
the U.S. in the early 20th century, fleeing economic hardship and seeking opportunities for a
better life. Their stories of resilience and adaptation shaped my understanding of perseverance
and the immigrant experience. They faced prejudice and discrimination upon arrival but
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 6
eventually built successful lives through hard work, contributing to American society. This
history instilled in me a deep respect for the immigrant experience and an appreciation for the
sacrifices made by previous generations (Bhatia & Kanakamedala, 2024).
My family’s immigrant story, particularly on my Irish side, has been a significant
motivator for me. It helped me realize that resilience in the face of adversity is a central tenet of
identity. The sacrifices made by my ancestors to create a better life for future generations have
influenced how I view my own role in society. I have come to understand that social justice is
not just about advocating for the marginalized; it is about honoring the legacies of those who
fought for opportunities that I now enjoy.
On my Lebanese side, I discovered that my ancestors were deeply involved in agriculture,
tending to olive groves and vineyards. This connection to the land has shaped my family’s
appreciation for nature, sustainability, and the cycles of life. Many of my Lebanese relatives
continue to live in rural areas, where agriculture is central to life, instilling in me a respect for
the environment and the importance of sustainable practices.
This newfound understanding of my family’s agricultural roots has further deepened my
respect for the land and its role in shaping cultural identity. It has influenced my desire to
approach therapy with a holistic mindset, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical,
emotional, and environmental well-being in the lives of individuals and families.
Social Justice and Client Advocacy
The knowledge gained about my family’s cultural background has profoundly influenced
my views on social justice and client advocacy in counseling. Both the Irish emphasis on
community and the Lebanese focus on family have heightened my awareness of the impact of
societal systems on individuals and families. In counseling, this awareness drives me to advocate
for clients from marginalized communities, ensuring that their cultural identities are respected
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 7
and understood. Research has shown that clients from diverse cultural backgrounds often face
barriers to accessing mental health services, such as cultural stigma and a lack of culturally
competent counselors (Nassar, 2020). Therefore, advocating for these clients involves not only
providing culturally appropriate interventions but also addressing systemic inequities.
For example, I have seen firsthand how cultural stigma can affect individuals seeking
mental health support, particularly in immigrant communities where there may be a reluctance
to seek help due to fears of discrimination or misunderstanding. As a counselor, I am committed
to ensuring that all clients receive culturally competent care, and I plan to incorporate social
justice practices by advocating for policies that support marginalized groups and challenge
discriminatory structures within mental health systems. Furthermore, I aim to use my own
family’s immigrant story to build rapport and trust with clients who may feel isolated or
misunderstood due to their cultural background.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my cultural background has been foundational in shaping both my
personal identity and counseling philosophy. Reflecting on my Irish and Lebanese heritages has
reinforced the value of empathy, community, and respect for cultural differences in the
therapeutic setting. By integrating the teachings from both my Irish and Lebanese backgrounds,
I am better prepared to approach each client with an understanding that is both compassionate
and culturally competent. This dual cultural awareness will allow me to build therapeutic
relationships that are respectful, inclusive, and centered around the unique needs of each
individual. In my future counseling career, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space
where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and heard. By drawing upon my heritage, I
will continue to grow as a counselor who not only serves but advocates for those in need.
References:
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 8
Bhatia, S., & Kanakamedala, P. (2024). The proximal distant: How does remote
acculturation affect cultural identity in Lebanese youth? Journal of Cross-
Cultural Psychology, 55(3), 456–472.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cresp.2024.100183
Hays, D. G., & McLeod, A. L. (2021). The Culturally Competent Counselor. In
Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach (4th ed.).
Pearson.
Irish Central. (2021). How Irish culture shaped the world: The enduring influence of Irish
traditions. Irish Central. https://www.irishcentral.com
Lebanese American University. (2020). Lebanese traditions and cultural identity. LAU
Research Series.
McGoldrick, M., Giordano, J., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2021). Ethnicity and Family Therapy
(3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Moore-Thomas, C. (2021). Cultural influences on spirituality in counseling. Journal of
Counseling and Development, 99(2), 145–157.
Nassar, M. (2020). Social justice and multicultural competence in counseling.
Journal of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity, 28(4), 332–347
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