week 8

I think that it is great that the Bryars-Winston article mentioned the need for counselors (not even just career counselors) to explore their own cultural background, which I believe should include an examination of the view that you hold about your own culture and the culture of others. This is not always a fun process and can lead to feelings of guilt about how you see other human beings who happen to be different than you in some ways. People tend to assume, naturally, that there is only one 'right' way to do things and it is their way. I think it should be necessary for any type of counselor to be non-judgemental and to know where their weak points are. If someone has another way of doing something, we should be accepting of that. Also, we cannot assume that just because a person is in a cultural group, that they will fit the stereotype. I don't fit every Euro-American stereotype, so why do I think that say, a Hispanic person will fit in a neat and stereotypical box?

I am relatively surprised that there are not more studies done on people of different ethnic groups. We have the information based on general cultural findings, so why haven't we come up with a plan yet? I'm okay with modifying current treatments to fit the culture and needs of the client, but it would be a lot easier to do if I had evidence to back me up.

I also think that it is common sense to research a client's culture before or soon after meeting them. It also doesn't hurt to ask, as this shows that you respect them enough to do so. My Euro-Asian best friend gave me the advice of being informed but not making any assumptions. Everyone has their own preferences in counseling -it's not just a cultural thing. That's what makes it exciting, yet difficult, the fact that every client is unique and requires a different plan of action.

Brown, D. (2012). Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th ed). New York : Pearson Education, Inc.

Byars-Winston, A. M., & Fouad, N. A. (2006). Metacognition and Multicultural Competence: Expanding the Culturally Appropriate Career Counseling Model. Career Development Quarterly, 54(3), 187-201.