CHAPTER 17: Alternative Approaches to Counseling Theories

1. CHAPTER 17:Alternative Approaches to Counseling Theories Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach Second Edition Danica G. Hays and Bradley T. Erford

2. Culture and Theory • Theoretical orientation changes with more experience • Culture & theory sometimes at odds with one another • Theory cannot encompass all of human experience, or account for all thoughts, behaviors, feelings, or contexts that attribute to individuals’ identities • Theory provides counselors with starting points with their clients • “Theoretical orientation” provides both our rationale and our action

3. Worldview Shaping Counseling • Most do not give thought to their philosophical or theoretical approach to life • During crisis, most however discover their motivation for living their personal theory for life, or worldviews. • 5 value orientations of worldview: • Human Nature • Person/Nature relations • Social Relations • Time Sense • Human Activity • Basic assumptions that counselors use to create & support their approaches to counseling

4. Worldview to Theory • From the foundation of personal worldviews, individuals begin to make sense out of their lives & account for the contexts in which they live • A counselor’s worldview can affect personal philosophy & theoretical orientation • Despite its reported comprehensiveness, a counseling theory will work with particular clients under particular conditions • Understand the worldview of clients as well as the worldview of theories and try to balance the two

5. Alternative Sources of Theory • Counseling theories have specific definitions for mental health and parameters for typical mental functioning, impacts diverse clients • Without some shared understanding of mental health, no counseling theory can be effective • In many cultures, the practice of counseling is relatively unknown, and the notion of mental health is incorporated into other social systems (e.g., religion, familial relationships) • These social systems influence people’s beliefs about what it means to function “normally”

6. Religion & Spirituality • May be considered the greatest unifier & the greatest divider of people • Directly influence a person’s worldview in ways that affect how the person defines mental health • When applying a particular theory, it is important to consider how that theory interacts with clients’ beliefs about the divine • Consider how clients conceptualize notions of the divine in their lives • A simple understanding between counselor and client about the role of the divine can potentially lead to major differences in the perceptions of mental health

7. Government • In many ways, particular forms of government are direct expressions of worldviews • How democracy is represented • Differences between political parties • There are approximately 9 forms of government outside of the U.S. • Laws are created to support the structure of government and to reinforce the lifestyle choices for the governed • Governments set parameters for what it means to be an accepted member of society, and, by extension how functional mental health is defined

8. Family • Has the greatest potential for shaping notions of mental health • Serves as a filter for other social systems • Understanding family roles in a particular society will provide counselors with information about mental health and definitions of functional and dysfunctional relationships • Explore how clients act within their own families • How do clients’ behaviors compare to others in the family? What roles are clients expected to play in their family? What is the role of ancestors in the family culture?

9. Traditional Theoretical Approaches to Counseling • Traditional counseling theories are abundant in the counseling literature and characterized by first three forces of counseling • Original target client and limitations • Evolution of a grand theory in counseling • Integrates all dimensions of human experience into a single overarching theoretical framework • Coincide with the three forces of counseling

10. Culturally Responsive Use of Traditional Theories • Involves the counselor’s awareness of own cultural identity and the cultural contexts of approach to counseling • Demonstrate flexibility in approach • Eclectic or integrative approaches • Theoretical adaptation • General guidelines that counselors use to adapt particular theories • Illuminate Assumptions • Identify Limitations • Simplify Concepts • Diversify Interventions

11. Culturally Responsive Counseling Theories • The fourth force is supported by constructivist paradigms and contextual/systemic models • Supports and encourages what Gilligan (1982) termed alternative ways of knowing • Flexibility should be in the conceptualization of alternative explanations for psychic distress and the use of alternative ways to heal that distress • Range from evolved progeny of previous theories to traditional healing practices

12. Multicultural Counseling & Therapy (MCT) • Has been presented as a meta-theory • Many of the conceptual models have been part of indigenous healing practices (e.g., feminism, Afrocentric theory, Naikan, and indigenous healing practices) • 6 propositions: • MCT is an integrative meta-theory • Counselor and client identities are formed based on differing levels of experience and context • Cultural identity development important • Consistency of approaches with client values • Traditional approach to counseling is only one strategy • Liberation of consciousness is a basic goal

13. Naikan • Formalized & structured method of self-reflection intended to provide clients with understanding about their relationships with others and themselves • Emphasizes familial and social obligations and sustaining the harmony of social order • Meditative self-reflection is guided by 3 questions: • 1. What have I received from _________; • 2. What have I given to _____________; • 3. What troubles or difficulties have I caused ____________. • Goal of reflection is self-in-relation • Effective in treating a variety of issues (e.g., anxiety, alcoholism, Anorexia Nervosa)

14. Morita Therapy • Shares some similarities with Naikan and is often used in conjunction with Naikan • Overall approach can be described as purpose-centered, response-oriented, and active • Stresses building clients’ character in order to empower them to accept and respond to their life regardless of the circumstances • Clients’ behaviors will be emphasized more than thoughts or feelings and their decision-making will be influenced by purpose rather than intuition

15. Ntu Psychotherapy • Based on an African conceptual system and worldview • Energy is presumed to be essential to the therapeutic process and becomes the focus of the approach • As the Ntu is increased, so is the well-being of the client and vice versa • The function of counselors in Ntu psychotherapy is that of a spiritual guide • Contextual assumptions • 5 distinct phases: Harmony, Awareness, Alignment, Actualization, and Synthesis

16. Alternative Therapies • Counselors are focusing on the ways that mind, body, and spirit intersect • Meditation • Yoga therapy • Ayurveda • Buddhist psychology • Indigenous ways of knowing (IWOK)