Multicultural Awareness
A counselors work is very involving because people from diverse settings and backgrounds expect a counselor to conceptualize their problems and offer a solution. While this can be very demanding, it can also be very easy if a counselor adopts an open mind. In addition, a counselor should always acknowledge personal biases that may impede delivery of services.
Multicultural Self-Assessment
After conducting the multicultural self-assessment, I was able to uncover several things about myself. The following are things I do almost always:
I am aware that my upbringing and education have a significant influence on my beliefs and values.
I ask questions until I am sure I understand others.
I pay close attention to others reaction when speaking to them.
I ask for assistance whenever I need it.
I pay close attention to those differing with me.
I ensure I talk to people differing with me, especially when at an event.
I like hearing both sides of an issue before deciding.
I adapt well to changes and new situations.
I can easily identify my biases towards others.
I acknowledge that people are good and accept them for who they are.
I try not to assume anything.
From the multicultural self-assessment, on things I do more often than not were:
Being mindful of my speech and behavior so as to avoid offending others.
Making conscious effort to recognize my stereotypes.
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First Time I Realized I Was Other
While being in high school, I was not very good at mathematics, and regardless of my efforts, most of my classmates thought I would never excel. However, one day in class, the teacher posed a mathematical problem, and nobody could solve it. Fortunately, my brother had asked me the same question the previous night and shown me several methods. As the class applauded me, I felt the other me. It was this moment that I felt I was other, especially because I was so bad at mathematics. The teacher went forward and congratulated me, and from that day my self-esteem with regard to mathematics rose. I started performing well and I would never avoid difficulties whenever I felt like I did not understand a concept. I would follow the teacher after the class and ask more questions regarding the class.
My Reaction(s) to Both Self-Assessment and Realization of Being Other
Self-assessment has the potential to determine if one has a chance of becoming an effective counselor. According to Henriksen and Trusty, the present and future counselors contend with various challenges as societies continue to become more diverse. As a result, I feel that I am almost always able to interact with others irrespective of their diversity, and it is a significant attribute that a present and future counselor may need.
As a counselor, conceptualizing a clients moment of being other can be a key to offering help. Salkind stipulates that socialization can significantly influence a persons development. As for my case, realizing the other me was somehow positive, and it helped me become good at Mathematics. As a counselor, one should acknowledge his or her bias that may be caused by upbringing, and I feel that my ability to almost always recognize this is an exceptional quality. According to Diaz et al., counselors face several legal standards and ethical dilemmas, especially with issues connected with confidentiality. Therefore, being aware of ones weaknesses or abilities will ensure that key decisions are made without negative repercussions.
Actions to Take After the Result of the Self-Assessment
Petrone suggests examining the difference between my behavior in classroom setting and my behavior in my day-to-day life. I acknowledge the fact that my classroom behavior represents my behavior as interactions with clients at work. Another action to take is to observe myself and balance my behavior in different contexts. Another area to work on will be my social skills, particularly in person.
Statement of Counseling Identity
I know that it is my role as a counselor to offer help to those in need irrespective of their cultural and political affiliation, economic class, gender or any other diversity. Guided by the established standards, ethics and professionalism, I believe that no situation is beyond reproach only if am able to identify myself with the clients situation. I believe that there is no single counselor who can claim to be all-round, but adopting an open mind and always being willing to learn from the client will not only stimulate professional growth, but also enhance outcome of counseling. I know that dealing with patients may not always bring the same results; it will thus be my role to support and nurture a client until the maximum possible outcome is achieved. I will collaborate with all stakeholders-students, researchers and policy makers whose aim is to promote mental health outcome. My conscious, spirituality, ethics, and professional standards will always form a reference point in making any decision. In line with the American Counseling Association guidelines, I will remain ethical as I aim for greater heights in self-awareness and multicultural awareness.
Importance of Multicultural Awareness and Cultural Competency to the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
According to Erford, multicultural awareness and cultural competency is essential for a successful clinical health counseling outcome. It is essential because it guarantees that a counselor is fully aware of all dynamics involved in providing services to clients from diverse backgrounds. It thus helps counselors offer unbiased services. Multicultural awareness is also important to a mental health counselor because each client is unique, and thus, calls for a unique treatment. So as to serve a client better, a counselor needs not only multiculturalism, but also to be conscious of his or her social inheritance. Completing Petrones self-assessment, realizing how I was other and considering my statement of counseling will form and enhance my cultural awareness.
Health Counselor Selected For Interview
Dr. Jared Dinehart is the mental health counselor I will be interviewing. He is a psychologist in Alabama and Arizona providing services to patients aged 16 and above. He specializes in marriage counseling and helps in assessing mental disorders. He is also an expert in sex addiction therapy and recovery and EMDR. In addition, he served as a staff psychologist at universities counseling in Hawaii, Utah and Texas. Dr. Dinehart also served as a disability services coordinator.
Apart from offering outpatient services, he has remained active in his professional and educational growth. He doubles as an adjunct faculty at the Maricopa Community College teaching psychology classes. Dr. Dinehart has also offered professional services as a clinical director of ANASAZI foundation in Mesa, Arizona. While being in this post, he helped in providing residential treatment to young adults and youths. As a psychologist, Dr. Dinehart has been engaged in offering psychological health services to patients. He is also renowned for his positive health approach to wellness. Finally, Dr. Dinehart aims at providing collaborative environment to his clients so as to effectively address mental health issues, and, at the same time, make use of effective intervention to propagate changes.
Having considered his professional experience (he has served at different institutions in different positions), I felt that Dr. Dinehart would offer substantial information and have the ability to answer all queries related to counseling and mental health issues affecting a significant number of Americans today.
