Problem:
Racial and cultural bias means basically the assumptions or judgments we make about people based on their race, culture, or ethnicity usually without even realizing it. Most of these ideas come from our families, communities, media, and how we grew up as children. However In counseling, these biases don't just stay in the background. They can impact how we understand clients, how we read their emotions, and even how we decide what their problems are. As a result, developing cultural humility is very important for counselors.
One bias I'm working on in myself is the belief that I communicate in the right way and understand each client. I grew up in a culture where direct communication was viewed as honest and respectful. This may not be the situation for everyone. Some cultures may have more of a nonverbal communication which I could easily assume that someone is avoiding or having a lack of interest. However this could be part of their cultural norm. I also have to keep in mind that strategies that are used for coping may not be unfamiliar but for someone else may be important to remember that coping strategies that I'm familiar with may be the way someone else from a different background uses to cope with this situation.
In our textbook, discuss the importance of counselors continuously examining how their own personal histories and cultural backgrounds shape the way they see clients (pg.407). Therefore, I will need to continue to ask questions and don't assume I understand the clients experiences.h
I want to understand more clearly Asian American communities because they are diverse and learn the history, traditions, and challenges that they may face. Learning about their experiences will help me and others have more empathy, recognize my own biases, and practice cultural humility.
Overall, being the best counselor I can be means understanding my own limitations and staying open-minded to learn from clients. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Kottler, J. A., & Shepard, D. S. (2014). Introduction to Counseling: Voices from the Field (8th ed.). Cengage Learning US.
Respond to them in a paragraph form simple terms.