Problem:
Ricardo is a male counselor in his early 30s who has been practicing for several years. He is passionate about his work and has experience counseling individuals from various backgrounds. Recently, he began working with Margaret, a 68-year-old retired teacher who sought counseling due to feelings of loneliness, difficulty adjusting to retirement, and concerns about maintaining independence as she ages. During their initial sessions, Ricardo noticed that Margaret seemed somewhat reserved. She often referenced "young people not understanding" the challenges of growing older and occasionally questioned whether Ricardo had the life experience to truly understand her struggles. While Ricardo is confident in his ability to provide effective counseling, he recognizes that ageism and generational differences may be playing a role in the therapeutic dynamic. He wants to ensure he builds trust, validates Margaret's experiences, and provides her with meaningful support.
1. What age-related biases might Margaret have about working with Ricardo, a younger counselor? How can Ricardo acknowledge and address potential ageism in a way that creates trust and connection in their counseling relationship? Need Assignment Help?
2. In Building the Relationship, Brew & Altekruse (2019) discuss the common mistake of adopting an inappropriate professional stance, either by over-identifying with or distancing from the client. How might Ricardo avoid these errors and strike the right balance between professional expertise and genuine empathy in his sessions with Margaret?