Culture of the Helping Profession Is there one? What are the values, beliefs, expectations, ways of doing things?

The individual is all-important. Separation and autonomy are emphasized. Exploration /examination of self is a good thing. One way self-disclosure is expected; evaluated as negative if it doesn’t occur. Airing “dirty laundry,” family secrets is expected. Expectation of honest participation in the process, sometimes without regard for the context and power difference. Fairly western in orientation, little regard for alternative methods of healing. Focus on change occurring within the individual rather than in oppressive systems. Terms such as resistance, noncompliant, guarded, defense mechanisms may be irrelevant without considering the context

Multicultural Counseling Competencies Understanding of one’s own values, biases, assumptions Understanding of client’s worldview Knowledge of culturally appropriate interventions and strategies Within each category, there is a knowledge, skill and attitude component.

Counselor awareness of own biases, values and assumptions –How you define your cultural identity –Feelings, beliefs, attitudes about other cultures –Awareness of the role of cultural differences and similarities in the helping relationship

Counselor awareness of client’s worldview. –Client’s values, traditions, way of life –Client’s perception of the helping process, the system, etc. –Knowledge of communication differences Touching Eye contact Physical space –Risk of overgeneralization

Culturally appropriate intervention strategies Incorporation of cx’s values and practices into helping process. Who is involved? Concrete action vs. reflection. Collectivist values. Treatment goals are congruent with cx’s culture. Separation from family or interdependence? Education vs. giving up aspects of culture. Can the goals and culture be balanced? Identify and utilize culture based resources, such as elders, role models, religious figures, etc.