Problem
Williams and Levitt (2008) conducted studies that indicate counsellors are not able to be "value neutral" and often unconsciously place their values on the client, influencing their clients "to be more like the therapist". It was noted this can have negative effects with clients of different cultures as these actions disrespect the client's cultural worldview and ability to be themselves. It is important to gain knowledge about our client's values and culture and to form the therapeutic relationship on respect and understanding of the individual's reality versus their stereotype (Slay-Westbrook, 2017).
When working with indigenous clients, it will be important to keep in mind that through the attempted genocide of their peoples, there is a history of oppression in which they were stripped of their believes, values and customs to assimilate with the European culture resulting in potential mistrust of the majority culture (Shebib, 2020). I believe it will be important to build trust by forming a direct, honest dialogue focused on the individual. As Slay-Westbrook (2017) indicate, there is typically skepticism, suspicion, and anger displayed towards Caucasian therapists and that it is important to incorporate cultural beliefs (i.e. vision quests) into conversation to bridge trust with the client.