As a mental health counselor-in-training, it is important to know and understand the potential majority and minority groups in your state and local area. In the state of California, the main minority groups that reside in the state include Black/African American, Hispanic/ Latino American, Asian/Asian American and American Indian and Alaska Native (Infoplease, n.d.). Some of the sub-cultural groups include Black/African Americans, Latino/ Mexican and Asian/ Chinese and Filipino. The main cultural groups in Pasadena, California include Black/African American, Asian/ Chinese, Chinese Americans, Filipino/Filipino Americans and Latino/Mexican and Mexican Americans. The two cultural groups that I would have great interest in gaining more knowledge …show more content…
According to the article titled “Cultural mistrust and mental health help-seeking attitudes among Filipino Americans”, David (2015) states that this cultural population has mental health help seeking behaviors which occur at lower rates than other Asian sub-cultural groups. Also reported is the tendency for Filipino/Filipino Americans to seek mental health assistance from their social group. This group includes peers, family members ministers and priests, spiritualists, herbalists and fortune-tellers. Furthermore, this cultural population has a mistrust of White mental health counselors due to experienced societal oppression and discrimination (David, 2015). Interestingly, Native Americans also have a mistrust of White mental health counselors and have low rates of mental health seeking behaviors (Grayshield, Rutherford, Salazar, Mihecoby, & Luna, 2015). In the article titled “Understanding and healing historical trauma: The perspectives of native american elders”, the authors state that Native Americans have historical trauma associated with being denied the ability to practice their traditions, customs, language, and spirituality and forced to assimilate into a western mainstream White Christian society (2015). With knowledge of how these two populations seek out mental health counseling, it will assist me with understanding the most salient …show more content…
For example, Sue and Sue (2013) discuss a mis-match of communication styles between client and counselor. As an African American, I do have a straightforward way of communicating and, at times, it has made other individuals of different cultural groups uncomfortable. As an individual who is also a mental health counselor-in-training, I have learned to ask questions instead of make statements. This type of communication may be most appropriate when working with Filipino/Filipino Americans. A similar issues with both Native Americans and Filipino/Filipino Americans is helping both cultures identify the positive aspects of their cultural beliefs, values and traditions in order to counter any mistrust they would have of mental health counselors, the potential assessments and interventions that will be used, and the historical trauma and oppression they have experienced (Grayshield, Rutherford, Salazar, Mihecoby, & Luna, 2015). Finally, an issue I may encounter with Native Americans is creating an environment where their spirituality and indigenous healing methods are predominately utilized (Sue & Sue,
In some countries, seeking medical help for mental health issues is the reasonable thing to do, where other cultures may view it as taboo and believe those matters should be left to religion or the family. Another vital aspect of multicultural counseling is the relationship between the therapist and counselee. It is essential that both parties are aware of the existing cultural differences. As a professional counselor, I will continue to educate myself properly, so as to give the best counsel by building trust and rapport. A few other aspects to keep in mind is learning to become culturally sensitive to communication and steering clear of trigger words or speech that the client may find offensive. Also, being aware of spatial distance is necessary. Some cultures prefer close contact and others may find too close of a distance
Multicultural knowledge includes counselors’ understanding of their own worldview, knowledge of cultural groups with whom the counselor works, and recognition of sociopolitical factors that impact diverse clients’ lives. Beliefs and attitudes encompass counselors’ values associated with different cultural groups, their ability to recognize and hold in check stereotypes of different culture groups, a celebration of diversity, and an awareness of how their biases and negative attitudes can adversely influence counseling relationships (Ivers, 2012). One of the hardest parts about being a counselor is admitting your own biases and stereotyping before counseling others of different cultural ethnicities. Once a counselor understands their own bias and stereotyping towards others, they are better able to catch themselves from letting their biases affect their counseling. As for working with the Latino cultural group, the counselor needs to familiarize themselves with the customs and cultural norms of the group. Book knowledge is a great place to start, but to really get a better picture of understanding another culture, one should immerse themselves in their community. A major issue that counselors encounter is their lack of cultural knowledge outside of their own
Although, even if the therapist is from the same cultural background this can still be hard to counsel these clients because of different traditions, language dialects, family values, and ancestry. This does not mean that the therapist cannot help these clients, but this could hinder the therapist and client relationship if brought up in an entire different environment. For instance, you can have two individuals from the same cultural background and family values, but these individuals live in an entirely different environment or learned different family values and belief system. When working with a diverse client, it is very important to monitor your own culturally beliefs and be willing to work with the client no matter if you have any biases or prejudice towards them. Some of the strategies that could be helpful in these situations include, (a) treat the client the same way you would like to be treated, (b) research some information about the clients background and, (c) beware of your own cultural biases and prejudices when counseling minorities if your unaware of their backgrounds.
The Latino community, from immigrating to United States born Latinos are often known to be depressed. Depression is a medical illness that causes a constant feeling of sadness and lack of interest, it affects how the person feels, behaves and thinks. Many Latinos rely on their extended family, community, traditional healers, or churches for help during a health crisis. As a result, many Latinos with mental illnesses often go without professional mental treatment. But why is it that Latinos are so reluctant to receiving help? Sheila Dichoso states that, “there are only 29 Latino mental-health professionals for every 100,000 Latinos in the United States, compared to 173 non-Hispanic white providers per 100,000 non-Hispanic whites.” Coming along this information completely amazed me, knowing that there is a vast difference between Latino and non-Hispanic white mental health providers is shocking.
Rogler, L. H., D. E. Cortes, et al. (1991). "Acculturation and mental health status among Hispanics. Convergence and new directions for research." Am Psychol 46(6): 585-597.
It is a privilege to interview veteran therapists who are exiting the counseling arena after a long career in the profession. I was honored to shadow Lea Keylon, a seasoned counselor, who on the eve of retirement set aside time for a student interview. The enlightening interview opened my understanding to the importance of proper diagnostic coding for insurance reimbursements, the financial struggles of private practice, and the poignant effect of forensic counseling on therapist (L. Keylon, personal communication, March 26, 2010). Lea was eager to share her counseling accounts; however, the excitement of retirement planning could be seen in her demeanor. Private practice requires self-discipline, constant research for legislative changes, peer support and consultation, time management, tenacity, and patience. The encounter with Lea impressed the importance to surround myself with colleagues that are enthusiastic about learning and continuing education opportunities, to hire assistance for time-consuming administrative task, and adequately assess a proper caseload that will sustain my counseling practice and without avoid counselor burn out (L. Keylon, personal communication, March 26, 2010).
Mental illness is an addition to all of the previously listed perceived disadvantages of Native Americans by those of other ethnicities. Many believe that Native Americans are at a higher risk for mental illness than those of European descent. Many also believe that Native Americans have more people suffer from depression than their white counterparts (Stark & Wilkins, American Indian Politics and the American Political System, 2011). There have been studies conducted to test whether or not this is the case, with mixed results. Some studies say that Natives are at a higher risk and others say they are not. This discrepancy makes the answer unclear. If Natives are actually at a higher risk for and have more people suffering from depression than individuals of European descent, the question to ask is, “why?” Several factors play into depression and other mental illness, including biology, social standing, history, family, and any preexisting/comorbid diseases that could contribute to or cause depression.
All minority groups experience discrimination which leads to increased levels of stress in those individuals. As the level of stress goes up, so does the risk for several health complications including those related to mental health. Wells, Klap, Koike, and Sherbourne (2001) conducted a study examining the disparities in mental health care among black, Hispanic, and white Americans. Of those Hispanics in the study (n=617), 16.6% of them had a probable mental disorder compared to 13.4% of whites (n=7,299). Hispanics also had a higher incidence of substance abuse problems with 9% of those surveyed meeting criteria compared to 7.6% of whites. Hispanics also had the least reported perceived need for treatment with 10.4% for mental health and only 1.3% for substance abuse. A clinician treating Antonio should keep in mind that he has a higher likelihood of having a mental illness or substance use disorder than a white client as well as the fact that if he does meet the criteria for either, that he probably does not believe he needs
Remember, self-reflection is vital to becoming a culturally-competent counselor. The counselor should consistently re-examine their worldview and personal beliefs about diverse individuals and other cultures. The idea is for the counselor to explore their own prejudices, emotions, and preconceived notions of those that differ from themselves. Remaining curious and willing to learn about culturally distinct groups is a practical way of working effectively with varied clients in counseling and understanding what barriers and prejudices are typical in their
Most psychologists do acknowledge and accept religion and spirituality as important aspects of human diversity. A client’s culture is the embodiment of their worldview and is passed on through their values, beliefs, morals, and religious and spiritual traditions “Because spirituality and religion are less important to psychologists overall than their clients, they may have been neglected as important aspects of multicultural competency” (Ammondson, Lukoff, Pargament, Pilato, Scammell &Vieten, 2013, p.132). Incorporating spiritual and religious competencies in psychology is a form of multicultural competence. Multicultural competencies strive for psychologists to understand the world views of culturally different clients without being biased. Psychologists need to implement delicate, and pertinent intervention techniques with clients who culturally differ. Cultural differences extend into a client’s religion and spirituality beliefs. Multicultural competence is predominant for psychologists when working with clients in any type of therapeutic environment. Psychologists who are culturally aware have insight into how their cultural biases influence the counseling process, are comfortable with clients’ culture, and respect clients’ religion and culture (Sue, Arredondo, & Mc Davis, 1992a, 1992b). Multicultural skills and competencies are illustrated when psychologists actively seek out educational workshops that are culturally sensitive to elevate their proficiency and training in multicultural practices. Acquiring multicultural competence is a continuous process that includes self-awareness, and reflection. Cultural competence and knowledge affect the counseling process by allowing psychologists to implement culturally sensitive counseling strategies. Effective
Sometimes individuals consider becoming counselors after overcoming some major life challenge such as addiction or a history of bad relationships. Perhaps an individual has encountered a particularly effective counselor or therapist and has a desire to follow in those footsteps. Others may have had a bad experience with counseling and concluded that it can be done better. People do not think of this work so much as a job, or even as a career. More typically, a constellation of life experiences that demand explanation and a sense that others seek one out for assistance and emotional sustenance become driving forces leading one toward the counseling profession” (An invitation to). .
The Asian cultures make up a large portion of the world’s population, so being able to understand their way of dealing with psychological disorders is important. The way most of the Asian cultures view mental illness is vastly different from how Western cultures view mental illness. In a study it showed that “Asian Americans show stronger implicit mental illness stigma compared to Caucasian Americans” (Cheon & Chiao, 2012). One reason for this is that in Asian cultures they are more likely to attribute mental illness with some type of supernatural cause. This could include punishments by god or ancestors that they did not please by bad behavior or they may believe mental illness could be a result of a possession by an evil spirit. These types of beliefs lead to a stronger stigma against mental illness in Asian cultures. Since they believe that it can be caused by ...
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures shares the journey of cultural illiteracy from the Hmong and American side. Fadiman states, “In 1995, for the first time, the national guidelines for training psychiatry residents stipulated that they learn to assess cultural influences on their patients’ problems,” (Fadiman 270). Though the unfortunate events that occurred were definitely able to avoid now, at the time, there was no standard set of actions and procedures to take in order to provide the best health care to different cultures. Fadiman truly succeeded in showing the reader that good intentions and compassion must be weighed more heavily when analyzing events and the consequences must be met with an objective eye.
Culture can be defined as behaviors exhibited by certain racial, religious, social or ethnic groups. Some factors in which culture may vary include: family structure, education, and socioeconomic status (Kodjo, 2009). Some may think cultural competence is something that has an end point, however, when the big picture is seen, it is a learning process and journey. From the writer’s perspective, the client-therapist relationship can be challenging. Culturally competent therapists must realize that behaviors are shaped by an individual’s culture. Many changes are taking place within the United States cultural makeup. Therapists and healthcare professionals are being challenged to provide effective and sensitive care for patients and their families. This type of culturally sensitive care requires the professional to be open and seek understanding in the patients diverse belief systems (Kodjo, 2009).
Simpson, C. (2007) ‘Mental Health part3: Assessment and Treatment of Depression’ British Journal of Healthcare assistants. pp 167-171.