Discussion

Patrice discussion:

Psychodynamic theory, is one of the oldest theories in psychology and one of the grand theories the authors mentioned in the concept of multicultural counseling.  The problem with this theory was that, the theorists that created these theories, they were developed to serve clients living particularly within Western Europe and American contexts.  This meant that counseling theories generally are developed in and support a particularly Western worldview.  According to (Hays & Erford 2014 p.484), “The relatively limited client base targeted by the majority of counseling theories proves difficult particularly when working with diverse client populations (Hays & Erford 2014 p.484).”  With this western worldview and other approaches based on this western worldview, this theory and others proved to be useless and potentially harmful to some clients.  This also limited treatment options and theoretical approaches by proving to be invalid and unnecessary to use, diminishing the ability to evolve and adapt over time. 

My Response/ Recommendations

            When therapists do decide to use these theories, they have specific clients in mind who may benefit from this theory and others.  I do believe that the authors have a valid point in stating that this theory has other influences that may not be in place of multicultural clients.  Despite the work done on this theory and others, each client represents a unique opportunity to connect with cultural complexity.  I would recommend integrating different perspectives on theories and how they operate in therapeutic sessions.  Theories are intended to ask the question why, but perception and interpretation of experience can bring about emotions.  It is important to keep in mind that interventions and specific variables could extend dynamic expression for the client and unique experience within counseling sessions.

Biblical Worldview

            A scripture from Isaiah 55:8-9 (English Standard Version) states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV).”  Everyone is uniquely and wonderfully made, and these theories may not be appropriate for each client.  One thing I know is that when it comes to therapy and theories, this is not a one size fits all framework, and each client deserves his or her own approach to counseling.  With theories, there are many questions to be answered, but with God all things are possible. 

References

Hays, D.G., & Erford, B.T. (2014). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (2nd Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Jan discussion:

HSCO Issue/ Problem Description

            The cultural validity of diagnosing multicultural clients is a topic that should be of concern to all counselors. It can be a controversial one because some counselors still do not receive the education to become culturally competent in their careers (Hays & Erford, 2014). This disconnect between counselors’ education and fairly diagnosing clients of every background is an important topic to address.

Your Response/ Recommendations

            The topic of cultural validity when diagnosing a client is one of ethical concern (Hays & Erford, 2014). If a counselor does not take a client’s cultural background into account when diagnosing that client, one-sided diagnosing and practices can occur. Not understanding a client’s personal beliefs will lead to skewed results when engaging in testing. It may also lead to a possible misunderstanding between the counselor and the client (Hays & Erford, 2014). The authors ultimately conclude that cultural validity in assessment must be a part of testing and diagnosing in the counseling profession.

            I agree with the authors. One of the main reasons that I agree with them is that it makes no sense to try and diagnose a client without fully understanding who they are as a person. For multicultural clients, their religion and culture play a big part in who they are. Ignoring that side of them will only lead to a pointless diagnosis that will often perpetuate the problem, not help it. Without understanding their beliefs and cultural values, counselors should not expect to be very successful in their work with multicultural clients. To avoid this, counselors must learn about different cultures and belief systems. They must work to maintain cultural competency (Hays & Erford, 2014).

Your “topic specific” Biblical World View

            “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; (I Corinthians 9:19-20, NKJV). This verse applies to this topic of multicultural validity in assessment. Without understanding one’s culture, it will be impossible to communicate with them (Hays & Erford, 2014). Paul understood this and expressed this to the Corinthian church in this verse. He reminded the Corinthians that in order to bring others to the Gospel, one must become “all things to all men” (I Corinthians 9:22b, NKJV). In counseling, this principle applies with multicultural clients and addressing the validity of their cultures when making a diagnosis.

References

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2014). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems

approach (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

Class text:

Hays & Erford: chs. 5–6

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