Cultural

Cultural

8DQ2Give examples of how cultural bias might be embedded in an assessment instrument used in counseling.

Bias is actualized in the use of techniques which have the potency of stirring up emotional conflict among the group members. For instance, using cultural examples, which might be offending to some cultures when trying to illustrate an issue, might be a cause of emotional conflict for some of the members belonging to the community. In addition, bias is also expressed when some of the group members are given priority over others in the group in expressing their views. This could be based on the culture of the members in that individuals belonging to a certain culture are given preference over others. Moreover, bias could also be actualized in the issue of assignments and tasks in that individuals belonging to a community are assigned tasks, which could be easily termed as easy. The issue of assignments that suggest favor or bias among the members is that some individuals are issued tasks, which do not correlate with their needs and strengths within the group (Corey, 2004).
8DQ1How should a culturally competent counselor approach the processes of assessment and diagnosis when dealing with clients from minority client populations?

It is essential for counselors within a multicultural setting to adopt a multicultural counseling approach. A counselor should ensure that the minority groups attain equality in terms of access of the counseling services. In addition, the counselor should consider the aspect of cultural needs of the clients that should be adequately respected. Such would ensure that the client could benefit from the counseling processes. Moreover, special consideration for the minorities is at times essential to enable the clients from the minority group to reap adequately form the counseling services. This is because they feel safe and appreciated and thus are able to share information for eventual help by the counselor.
7DQ2Explain how mental health therapy is viewed in various cultures. Give at least two examples.

Different cultures have different views on the use of mental therapy. For instance, in India mental illnesses are healed by shamans. The shamans use the techniques which have been applied for centuries in the Indian culture. Hence he only uses techniques which are available to him. The shamans consider that the mind, body and the surrounding are interconnected. Hence uses such an approach to treat the mentally ill patients. This is in comparison to the United States where the psychotherapists and psychoanalysts use constantly changing techniques to treat their patients. These techniques put into consideration the presence of an independent mind of self. This is widely used by the psychoanalysts and therapists alike in focusing on the individual wellbeing of the mind. Hence, the presence of culture determines an approach to be used by the therapists in treatment of mental illnesses.

7DQ1How do racial, social, and political attitudes affect the perception and treatment of clients?

Differences in terms social classes, such as rich and poor, determine the ability to access counseling services. In addition, the ability to access counseling is determined by the financial capabilities of individuals. Hence, people who could be classified as rich are able to access quality counseling services, whereas those in lower class levels are unable to pay for special counseling services. In addition, politics also has a role in that, it influences implementation of policies and allocation of resources which make the counseling services available to individuals in need of the services. In addition, race is part of the culture of the various races. Hence, some races are viewed as in need of special counseling services in comparison to others who are given lower level of services.
6DQ2 What family and community support conditions must be in place to assist children of color from being at risk for low self-concept as a result of racism?

The family and the community at large are tasked with ensuring that there is a sense of equality in terms of race for the children. The family is responsible for ensuring that the child grows up in an environment with respect for all individuals. The community plays a significant role in ensuring that the children in society grow up in an environment which advocates for equality among all the races.

A community founded on equality ensures that access to all social services is based on equality. In addition, access to the various services would ensure that the growth of the children is founded on ensuring that no single race is given preference over the other. The community should also ensure that the children are able to interact with other children of different races. This is essential because, if children from different races are treated in an identical manner they acknowledge each other as equals reducing or eliminating the aspect of racism.

6DQ1How do early personal experiences influence people of color’s positive or negative ethnic identity? Can you think of a best example?

Early experiences determine the interaction of people of color. This is because they are able to conduct themselves and interact with the society based on such experiences in their lives. For instance, the aspect of crime in the community determines the reflection of people of color (Corey, 2004). Involvement of children of color in crime and the use of drugs determines their future identities, which are highly likely to be negative. Others could be exposed to good levels of education thus turning out to be responsible and honorable individuals in the community. Furthermore, the setting of growing up determines the individual character, which is a reflection of the culture of the individual.

5DQ1What are the dominant features found within Native American homes, and how do Native Americans shape their response to the broader American society?

The Native Americans could be described as reserved, because the English settlers took their ancestral land. In addition, they consider that the settlers polluted their country’s environment, as well as their morals. Hence based on such claims they tend to look down upon the contemporary society and have been able to uphold their culture despite the decrease in their population (Corey, 2004).

Such reservation is mainly due to a strong belief in their culture and identities. Native Americans have a strong culture due to the firm beliefs that define their culture. This has enabled them to give emphasis to the need for spirituality, usually a predominant aspect of the Native Americans. In addition, the Native Americans, given their culture and beliefs, have been able to segregate themselves form the rest of the American society.

5DQ2How does the concept of honor and unity shape the Hispanic family identity?

The Hispanic families are characterized by the presence of respect for their family members. In addition, the aspect of unity is enhanced by the large size of the Hispanic families which usually made up of close and extended family (Corey, 2004). The males in the family are usually tasked with ensuring that families are protected and given the basics for survival. Hence this enhances the aspect of unity among the male members of the family who usually unite with the aim of providing for their families and protecting them, as well. In addition, the relationships between the elderly people of the extended family and those in the lower age brackets are characterized by the presence of respect honor for the elderly. Furthermore, poverty and the need to provide for their families characterize such families thus enhancing their unity and love for one another.

Reference

Corey, G. (2004). The theory and practice of group counseling (6^thed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.