Lesson 8: Counselling and Diversity

Question 1

Define:

A high-context (HC) culture

Answer 1

One in which people are deeply involved with each other. As a result of intimate relationships among people, a structure of social hierarchy exists, individual inner feelings are kept under strong self-control, and information is widely shared through simple messages with deep meaning.

Question 2

Define:

A low-context (LC) culture

Answer 2

One in which people are highly individualized, somewhat alienated, and fragmented, and there is relatively little involvement with others.

Question 3

List the 2 dimensions of Berry’s model of acculturation.

Answer 3

Retention of one’s minority culture

Maintenance of the mainstream culture

Question 4

List the 4 potential outcomes of Berry’s model and their factors.

Answer 4

Integration

• High maintenance of mainstream.
• High retention of own culture.

Assimilation

• High maintenance of mainstream.
• Low retention of own culture.

Separation

• Low maintenance of mainstream.
• High retention of own culture.

Marginalization

• Low maintenance of mainstream.
• Low retention of own culture.

Question 5

Summarize Adler’s Stage theory of acculturation.

the transitional experience

Answer 5

Contact: focus on similarities and differences.

Disintegration: confusion and disorientation in cultural understanding; feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and alienation.

Reintegration: rejection of second culture; stereotyping and generalization; judgemental attitude; personal differences are projected onto the second culture. This can be a point of existential choice between experience and resilience.

Autonomy: independence from defensiveness; relaxed attitude, growth and personal flexibility.

Independence: differences and similarities are valued; creation of meaning.

Question 6

Define: The Social Perspective on disability

Answer 6

Disability is a product of the ongoing interaction between individuals and their environments. The social model illuminates how environments may impede or facilitate individual functioning by erecting or removing barriers to full participation.

Question 7

Define: The Biomedical Perspective on disability

Answer 7

Focuses on the biological causes of disability, on medical and physical treatments, implying that there is something abnormal or ‘wrong’ with the person

Question 8

Define: The Functional Perspective on disability

Answer 8

Emphasizes the ways in which the person is functioning in the world, capitalizing on the person’s strengths and adaptability. Most counsellors working with clients who live with a disability adopt a functional perspective and seek to explore issues related to the client’s goals and aspirations.

Question 9

Define: The Forensic Perspective on disability

Answer 9

It centers on legal concepts rather than individual experiences of disability.

This model requires objective proof of impairment and disability and determination of the honesty and motivation of individuals seeking recognition, benefits, or compensation for disability.

Question 10

List and define the 4 feminist philosophies that guide counsellors.

Answer 10

Liberal feminists work towards increasing a sense of personal empowerment in their clients through minimizing gender biases and gender-encapsulated social roles.

Cultural feminist highlight the value of interdependence over individualism and emphasize the social and psychological importance of such values as cooperation, altruism, connectedness.

Radical feminists and socialist feminist believe in a strong advocacy role, seeing the counsellor as a militant transformative agent in the process of societal change.

Question 11

List 3 of McCormick’s themes/strategies for helping counsellors facilitate healing with First Nations clients

Answer 11

Anchoring oneself in tradition and participation in ceremonies: First Nations clients benefit from being involved in traditional cultural activities and ceremonies, thus building a foundation of connectedness;

Setting goals (medicine wheel) and pursuing challenging activities; having a clear sense of purpose and balance in all dimensions of life;

Expressing oneself: the ability to express emotions and feelings in a healthy manner (whether physical, psychological, or spiritual) helps alleviate stress;

Support from others: social support provides a sense of community connection, acceptance, encouragement, reassurance, validation;

Spiritual connection: spirituality helps develop a sense of morality, constructive living, humility, and transcendence;

Role models: respect for elders and successful people in the community provides inspiration and guidance; characters in traditional myths and legends can also serve as role models and opportunities for teaching morality.

Connection to nature: the feeling of being part of the land or something greater than oneself helps First Nations clients gain a wider perspective on life and a metaphorical insight for curative solutions.