Chapter 4 - Multicultural Implications

Question 1

What is multicultural counseling?

Answer 1

Multicultural counseling considers the different factors that affect racial, ethnic, and other types of minorities, including historical oppression and its effects on society.

Question 2

What is meant by multicultural counselor?

Answer 2

Multicultural counselor understand that patients’ backgrounds influence the ways in which they view the world and that the counselor’s role must change to accommodate these perspectives.

Question 3

Multicultural factors/considerations (4 factors)

Answer 3

1) Race and Ethnicity

2) Gender

3) Sexual Orientation

4) Disabilities

Question 4

Race and Ethnicity (Type of communication barriers)

Answer 4

Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, interference from stereotypes and prejudices, incorrect assessment, and stress are all examples of communication barriers.

Question 5

Sue and Sue (2013) note that different racial and ethnic groups differ in their communication styles.

Answer 5

In a therapy situation, many Chinese clients, show respect for a therapist who is older and wiser and who occupies a position of higher status by responding with silence. Unfortunately, an unenlightened counselor or therapist may perceive this client as being inarticulate and less intelligent” (Sue & Sue, 2013, p. 187).

*inarticulate - unable to express one’s ideas or feelings clearly or easily.

Question 6

Recognize that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to communicating with clients in general and with clients of racial and ethnic minorities in particular.

Answer 6

Become knowledgeable about how race, culture, and gender affect communication styles.

Question 7

Gender - Gender communication is communication both about and between men and women.

Answer 7

Ivy (2012, p. 21) states that “communication becomes gendered when sex or gender overtly begins to influence your choices—choices of what you say and how you relate to others.”

Contoh: Client seorng bf yg komplen psl awek dia yg selalu bersiap lambat. Kita as kaunselor wanita setuju and rasa its not an isu pun kalau GF dia bersiap lambat sbb stereotype yang semua wanita bersiap lambat sbb makeup & lain2. (Dah jadi isu gender biased sbb kita side dgn GF dia - affect our thinking and decision)

Question 8

Wood (2013, p. 136) points out that men and women have learned to relate experiences via varying communication styles, which can often result in breakdowns in the communication process. (mcm contoh atas tu about BF complaint psl GF bersiap lambat)

Answer 8

Cara lelaki & perempuan berkomunikasi tu berbeza.

Question 9

Gender (Ways on Overcome the Gender Biased Isssue)

Answer 9

1) Support clients’ desires to break free from the oppression of traditional gender norms.
2) Communicate empathy for the plight of both genders.
3) Use gender inquiry questions to help understand messages clients have received

Question 10

Sexual Orientation

Answer 10

The difference between sexual orientations in this part will be discussed about clients who are identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ).

1) Persons who have an emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectionate attraction to persons of the same sex (lesbian women and gay men)

2) Persons who have a sexual attraction to persons of both sexes (bisexuals)

3) Persons whose identification with their gender is different from their biological sex (transgender)

4) Persons who are questioning their sexuality.

Question 11

Multicultural consideration (Sexual Orientation)

Answer 11

1) Develop awareness about how heterosexual privilege (accrued benefits from belonging to a dominant societal group, heterosexual in this instance) can affect both verbal communication and nonverbal aspects of communication with LBGTQ clients. Heterosexual privilege can affect everything from reading material, brochures, intake forms, pictures, and calendars on office walls, as well as language.

2) Be sensitive to your language and try to minimize heterosexist bias in your language. This is an important thing to do with all clients because the client’s sexual orientation may be unknown to you for a period of time. It is always important never to assume your client’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

3) Recognize the positive impact on communication of becoming an ally for LGBTQ clients. Having a ‘Safe Zone’ sticker on your office door communicates this information to clients right away. Remember that a Safe Zone sticker lets clients know that you have been through training which means you are supportive toward and sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ persons.

4) Recognize how ethical practices affect communication with LGBTQ clients

Question 12

Disabilities

Answer 12

• An increasing number of clients are persons with chronic health issues and conditions that have some disabling effects.
• Some of these clients have sensory disabilities involving sight or hearing; some have a condition limiting basic physical activities; others have a condition that affects their learning, remembering, or concentration; and still others have a condition that affects their ability to work at a job.

Question 13

Multicultural consideration (Disabilities)

Answer 13

• Use supportive, nonverbal communication. For example, it is appropriate when meeting a client with a disability to offer to shake hands, using either the right or left hand. Also, when working with a client using crutches or using a wheelchair, place your- self at eye level with the person.
• Do not pat a client in a wheelchair on the head or shoulders. Avoid shouting at a person with a hearing impairment.
• Look directly at the client and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively, especially if this is a client who is reading lips.
• Rephrase your communications if necessary but do not keep repeating yourself word for word as this tends to be insulting.

Question 14

Develop a communication style that is direct and respectful rather than avoidant or condescending. (Disabilities)

Answer 14

• Address clients with disabilities in the same way you would other clients. For example, do not talk with clients with disabilities as though they are childlike or ill.
• Address clients with disabilities by their first names only if this is a practice you use with all your clients. If some clients have difficulty speaking or understanding, listen carefully, do not rush the communication in the session, and do not pretend to understand when you do not. I
• Instead, rephrase what you do understand, and give the client time to respond.
• Avoid finishing or completing sentences for the client. At the same time, if you do not understand a particular client because he or she uses a communication aid or has difficulty with speech, do not automatically assume he or she cannot understand you!