Multiculturalism & The Helper

1. Multiculturalism & The Helper Complete the Multiculturalism Survey - 3 area are measured: awareness knowledge skills Note the specific areas that you marked “very limited”. Notice any difference between the areas? Which areas do you see as strengths? Which areas need improvement?

2. Developing Competence Helpers need to recognize limitations & be willing to: • Seek consultation • Continue education • Make referrals if necessary Multicultural = ethnicity, race and culture. Diversity = individual differences / characteristics (age, gender, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation) Helpers need to be aware of their own assumptions, biases, and worldview.

3. Developing Competence Helpers need to think about diversity WITHOUT placing issues into “right” or “wrong”. Respecting the needs & strengths of diverse populations is important! Helpers need to be prepared to deal with differences in areas such as race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, gender & age. Need to be alert to imposing your own worldview! In working with different cultural experiences, it important to resist making value judgements for them.

4. Western Values Uniqueness Individual success Express feelings Self-assertion Independence Non-conformity Competition Conflict Individual freedom Improving one’s environment Eastern Values Interdependence Relationships Maturity Compliance Conformity Cooperation Control one’s feelings Harmony Security Accepting one’s environment Western vs. Eastern ValuesTheories & practices of the helping process are grounded in Western assumptions

5. Challenging Cultural Assumptions Self-disclosure May be taboo in some cultures. Helpers can model appropriate self-disclosure. Clients need some level of self-disclosure to be able to participate in the counselor/client relationship. Some other forms of self-disclosure include music therapy, journaling, recreational therapy, art, etc. Nonverbal Behavior There are no universal meanings for nonverbal behavior!! In some cultures, silence is a sign of respect, politeness.

6. Assumptions Cont’d Nonverbal behaviors cont’d Some Native American and Hispanic groups think of eye contact as a sign of disrespect. Trusting Relationships Among many cultures it takes a long time to develop meaningful relationships. Trust must be earned!! Self-actualization Some clients are more concerned about how their problems or changes are likely to affect others in their life.

7. Cultural Assumptions Cont’d Directness & Assertiveness Some cultures see it as a sign of rudeness. Important to listen to client and what they value. Ask client what behaviors are and are not working for them.

8. Developing Competence Helpers need to recognize limitations & be willing to: • Seek consultation • Continue education • Make referrals if necessary Multicultural = ethnicity, race and culture. Diversity = individual differences / characteristics (age, gender, religion, disability, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation) Helpers need to be aware of their own assumptions, biases, and worldview.

9. People With Disabilities Common Misconceptions: Physically disabled = emotionally disabled. Have limited capacity to be “normal”. Any goals should be kept modest. Want and should receive pity. Do not have the same feelings as the nondisabled. Helper Guidelines: Disabled people are capable and have potential for change. Recognize any discrimination and oppression. Interventions may also involve advocacy & action.

10. Working With Older People Misconceptions: Are all alike. Most are depressed. Treatment of emotional problems is not effective. Most are lonely. Are not open to change. Are no longer capable of learning. Guidelines For Helpers: There are more similarities than differences between old & young. Teach clients about life stages & present themes. Treat them as if they are young. (Mind over body)

11. Working With Older Cont’d Kindness (not pity) goes a long way. Listening & other basic attending skills are vital. Some other important characteristics - Patience, sense of humor, enthusiasm, respect, hopefulness, willing to learn.

12. Becoming A Culturally Skilled Helper Recognize limitations. Sometimes a client can teach you!!! (No person is an island) Benefit - Do no harm? Refer is needed. Ways to develop multicultural perspective Classes - Multicultural Issues & Counseling Across the Lifespan. Attend conferences and workshops on multiculturalism / diversity issues. Become familiar with immigration population culture & issues they face. Read periodicals, books, etc. Attend diverse functions or activities.