Cultural Considerations in Building a Counseling Relationship

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Cultural Considerations in Building a Counseling Relationship Counseling is a process in which a counselor and client must build a good rapport and relationship in order to be successful in reaching the goal at hand. There are several stages of counseling which must be considered when counselors intend to build a relationship with their client, each stage being equally important in leading to the next stage. The stages of counseling include: establishing the working relationship, assessing or defining the presenting problem, identifying and setting goals, choosing and initiating interventions and planning and introducing termination and follow-up (Hackney & Comier, 2013). I will discuss each of the stages of counseling and cultural considerations that must be taken in building a counseling relationship. Stages of Counseling Establishing a relationship with clients refer the counselor building a rapport with their clients. This involves factors such as respect, trust, psychological comfort, and shared purpose. This rapport is the psychological climate that emerges from the interpersonal contact between a counselor and their client (Hackney & Comier, 2013). In order for the counseling process to be successful a positive rapport must be established. Building a rapport is an ongoing process that must be worked on continuously. This process requires a high level of tact and adequate socialization skills. In addition, special consideration should be taken into factors and preexisting conditions, such as the clients comfort level in seeking professional assistance, their personal background and experiences and the client’s perceptions of their counselor, which may affect building a positive rapport with a client. With these anticip... ... middle of paper ... ...l their clients by understanding the dynamics of the stages of counseling. In order to enforce these skills counselors must be aware of cultural differences that can affect the counseling relationship. Additionally counselors must be open to gaining knowledge of cultural differences and applying their knowledge throughout the counseling process. Open-mindedness, attentiveness and sensitivity will reinforce a positive multicultural counseling relationship. References Hackney, H. & Cormier,S. (2013). The Professional Counselor: A Process Guide for Helping (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Lee, D. (1984). Counseling and Culture: Some Issues. Personnel & Guidance Journal, 62(10), 592. Pedersen, P. B. (1991). Multiculturalism as a Generic Approach to Counseling. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 70(1), 6-12.

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