RESPOND TO 2-CLASSMATES

(((Reply to two peers by the end of the week.  Ask your peers at least one question to help them think about the topic more deeply.  Suggest situations in which the one way in which career counselors can show cultural competency mentioned in the original post would be applied.))))))

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Classmate #-1—- K. P.  (WK-2-DQ-2)

  In order for a career counselor to be successful, they need to be aware of cultural differences, respectful of other’s cultures and aware of how they can impact their client. If a career counselor is not properly educated on one’s culture, they may inadvertently disrespect their client and cause lasting damage on the working relationship, which could end in the termination of the counselor (Niles & Harris-Bowlsbey, 2017). No one wants to feel disrespected, especially from someone they are being vulnerable about their personal life and struggles with. This can also play a role in one’s mental health rehabilitation. According to a study in Canada, it is crucial that all staff properly understand the patient’s values, culture and beliefs in order to best assist them (Grandpierre, Milloy, Sikora, Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Potter, 2018). When creating healthy and realistic goals for patients or clients, it is important to keep in mind the reasons why the individual wants change in their life (Grandpierre, Milloy, Sikora, Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Potter, 2018). One’s culture is most likely the root of their choices and goals. This study also explained that the counselor needs to be hyper aware of their own culture and how it may impact the sessions (Grandpierre, Milloy, Sikora, Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Potter, 2018). When a counselor properly understands their client’s culture and beliefs, they are able to ensure that no misunderstandings create a challenge in their counseling relationship. This allows the counselor to focus on other obstacles the client may face externally and create interventions to help overcome them.

Grandpierre, V.; Milloy, V.; Sikora, L.; Fitzpatrick, E.; Thomas, R.; Potter, B. Barriers and facilitators to cultural competence in rehabilitation services: a scoping review. BMC Health Services Research. 2018, Vol. 18, p1-14.

Niles, S. G. & Harris-Bowlsbey, J. (2017). Career development interventions (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

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Classmate #-2 —— C. Banks

Hello Dr. Walker and classmates, I hope everyone had a great week and enjoyed the holiday. I am enjoying this topic so far, and learning a lot through your insightful discussion. 

The U.S. population consist of multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual individuals.  This makes it imperative that counselors have the training and skills, and awareness to work with a diverse group.  This has also presented a problem with ethnic minorities terminating  after one or two counseling sessions.  It seems that members of  racial and ethnic minorities are just not relating to the material currently being used.  This problem has called for a reevaluation of the guidelines and principles currently being used in career development counseling.  It has been identified that one source to this problem is poorly trained counselors, and  culturally biased practices and techniques (Flores & Heppner, 2002).      
 

The Following provides guidelines for culturally competent psychological practice and related behavioral objectives.  

1. Awareness-  Psychologists recognize that it is necessary to make a lifelong commitment to developing cultural expertise and culture-centered practice. Counselors ensure they are aware of the relationship between mental health and oppression and discrimination. Also counselors are aware of self as a cultural being, and understands the client in his or her context. 

2. Knowledge-  Psychologists strive to make a lifelong commitment to increased learning concerning the multicultural bases of psychological practice. Counselors must learn about cultural identity development theories, and non- western practices.  Counselors must also know of cultural groups history and how it may be associated to different worldviews. 

3. Skills-  Psychologists strive to utilize culturally proficient awareness and knowledge in effective multicultural practice.  Counselors work as agents of social change, receiving on-going feedback pertaining to cultural competencies.  And multicultural competent counselors critique traditional interventions and theories with regard to cultural applicability.  

Overall as multicultural competent counselors, we must strive to keep abreast of trends in the work force, as well as the latest research in vocational psychology.  We should pay particular attention to studies of culturally diverse populations and consistently maintain that component of our counseling competency.  

Thank you,
Todd

Flores, L., & Heppner, M. (2002). Multicultural Career Counseling: Ten Essentials for Training. Journal Of Career Development (Springer Science & Business Media B.V.), 28(3), 181-202. doi:10.1023/A:1014018321808

Niles, S. G. & Harris-Bowlsbey, J. (2017). Career development interventions (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson  

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