Introduction There is only so much professionals can learn about diversity through texts, which is why it is essential to learn firsthand from clients and their diverse roles they play (Lee, 2014). Diversity takes on several different aspects in ones life, and it is important counselors are able to respect and be comfortable with whatever diverse aspects may arise. Diversity impacts the way counselors offer therapy to families and couples. The issues related to diversity that will impact counseling are religion and cultural beliefs. Not only are religion and cultural beliefs discussed in text, but through my own personal experience working in a mental health facility.
The Impacts of Diversity In Counseling Families and Couples
Every family …show more content…
Clients will behave, think, and interpret experiences based on their cultural beliefs (Wetchler & Hecker, 2015). Counselors need to understand the clients culture, in order to understand the issues at hand and how to counselor them through their tough time. It is essential for counselors to understand the biases and stereotypes surrounding a cultural belief, while being culturally sensitive (Wetchler & Hecker, 2015). From personal experience, I have worked with patients who believe in a variety of cultural beliefs. For example, a patient was distressed because his family was forcing an arranged marriage, he did not believe was right for him. It is important not to only respect his beliefs, but his families as well. He decided he was going to marry this woman anyway because of his family’s cultural beliefs.
Conclusion
Diversity can take several forms and cause different issues, which result in counseling. Clients and counselors must be honest and aware of diversity in order to form a therapeutic alliance. Religion and cultural beliefs are two difficult issues that are brought up in counseling. From personal experience, I found being aware and sensitive to client’s diversity is fundamental in counseling. As a future counselor, I will follow the ACA guidelines concerning diversity and implement effective
The Impacts of Diversity In Counseling Families and Couples
Every family …show more content…
Clients will behave, think, and interpret experiences based on their cultural beliefs (Wetchler & Hecker, 2015). Counselors need to understand the clients culture, in order to understand the issues at hand and how to counselor them through their tough time. It is essential for counselors to understand the biases and stereotypes surrounding a cultural belief, while being culturally sensitive (Wetchler & Hecker, 2015). From personal experience, I have worked with patients who believe in a variety of cultural beliefs. For example, a patient was distressed because his family was forcing an arranged marriage, he did not believe was right for him. It is important not to only respect his beliefs, but his families as well. He decided he was going to marry this woman anyway because of his family’s cultural beliefs.
Conclusion
Diversity can take several forms and cause different issues, which result in counseling. Clients and counselors must be honest and aware of diversity in order to form a therapeutic alliance. Religion and cultural beliefs are two difficult issues that are brought up in counseling. From personal experience, I found being aware and sensitive to client’s diversity is fundamental in counseling. As a future counselor, I will follow the ACA guidelines concerning diversity and implement effective