Assignment Task:
During the first session, it is common for clients from more collectivist backgrounds to raise concerns about how attending counselling will affect their family, and for clients from more individualistic backgrounds to raise concerns about how attending counselling will affect them personally.
Assume that a 35-year-old client, a second-generation Canadian of South Asian descent, begins their first counselling session by saying, "I probably shouldn't be here. My parents would be upset if they knew I was talking to a therapist." Next, assume that a 35-year-old from a more individualist family begins their first counselling session by saying, "If I tell you my problems, you'll probably think I'm crazy." [Please note that this is the client's language]
Discuss with your classmates how counselors might respond to each client statement. Present your recommendation for two facilitative counselor responses for each client, where one facilitative response to each client is designed to convey empathy.