Case Study: Cultural Competency - Paper Example

There is tension as people attempt to discuss the aspects of psychotherapeutic practice and culture. In the multicultural counselling literature, the fluidity as well as the complexity of cultural identity in the Western societies is acknowledged and requires the psychotherapist counselors to avoid stereotyping and to appreciate the specialty of each person because the cultural, multicultural, and bicultural identity varies from one individual to another. Other attributes such as disability, sexual identity and gender can conflict with the ethnic or racial identity(Sue, Zane, Nagayama Hall, & Berger, 2010). Some of the research studies have established that there are difficulties to defining different cultures, but there is a possibility to experiencing cultural realities. Also, it is crucial to discuss about these issues with the psychotherapeutic sessions with the client. In some of the cases, people having mental and psychotic disorders such as depression and anxiety and coming from the minority groups in the society may have a feeling that the Western interventions may not be appropriate to address their problems. Moreover, the professional counselors may not use specific strategies because of their cultural differences with the patients. In such a situation, it is important to recognize the political perspective to identify the issues affecting these groups.

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According to the American Psychological Association, it is ethical for the competent healthcare professionals to recognize the cultural issues of the patients among the minority groups before making decisions as well as recommendations for the practice(Vinson & Neimeyer, 2000). This concern results from the documented disparities in the healthcare between different races.

From the case above, Joe, a professional counselor has been meeting Jill who is experiencing work and family-related depression. With time, Joe offers to introduce the concept of rebirthing, but Jill declines because her culture does not allow it. Also, Joe declines the strategy proposed by Jill on the same dimensions. Regardless of their differences and ethical guidelines, they are attracted towards each other and engage in intimate sexual relationship. This case is a reflection of the ethical dilemma, which Joe faces and whose personal values conflict the American Counseling Association guidelines. These rules state that individual beliefs and values associated with sexual relationship between the client and the counselor are against professional ethics. However, research studies content that depression has a close relationship with values. People who are not in line with their beliefs and values may be weak and suffer psychological disorders(Sue, Zane, Nagayama Hall, & Berger, 2010). Given that values have a significant role in the administration of the cognitive behavioral therapy, it is critical to examine their effects and make an agreement between the parties about the relevance of religious issues and values on the process. Following this explanation, Joes individual values had an effect on his client positively because there was an agreement between the two, regardless of him acting against the guidelines of ACA.

While going through the case, there was a feeling that Jill required close attention within the limits of professional ethics, but with a clear definition of what is morally right and wrong. At an individual level, using the strategies, which were within the requirements of the client was ethical. However, engaging in other activities outside the scope of professional guidelines because of self interests and the condition of the client is not ethical at all levels. Based on the APAs Council of Representatives focusing on gender identity, it called for psychologists to provide mental care to patients without discrimination and act according to the ACAs code of conduct. Given the prevailing situation facing Joe, he should have offered adequate advice to Jill by identifying the cultural issues with her client before proposing a remedy. This strategy would minimize the conflicts between professionalism and ethics in his practice.

References

Sue, S., Zane, N., Nagayama Hall, G., & Berger, L. (2010). The Case for Cultural Competency in Psychotherapeutic Interventions. Retrieved 27 February 2017, from

Vinson, T. & Neimeyer, G. (2000). The Relationship Between Racial Identity Development and Multicultural Counseling Competency. Journal Of Multicultural Counseling And Development, 28(3), 177-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1912.2000.tb00344.x