Culturally Appropriate Intervention Strategies and Implications for Counselors
Sociopolitical and Ethical Considerations
- Nonverbal cues can unconsciously reflect our biases and stereotypes
- Communication styles among people of color may be denigrated and seen as inferior - what about our Code of Ethics?
- Different counseling approaches utilize varied communication styles
- Active, directive communication versus non-directive communication
Paralanguage
Overview
Defined as vocal cues other than words; i.e., loudness of voice, pauses, silences, etc.
- Paralanguage can be misconstrued by professionals
- Speaking loudly does not indicate anger and may be a cultural style
Context in Communication
Kinesics
- Directness or frankness in conversation varies considerably among cultures
- High-Context Communication
- Physical over explicit communication
- Low-Context Communication
- Reliance on verbal cues over non-verbal cues - typically seen in Western culture
- Examples?
- Communication Styles
- Nonverbal Cues
- Proxemics and Kinesics
- Paralanguage and Context
- Sociopolitical and Ethical Considerations
- Implications for Practice
- Moment of Wellness!
Defined as bodily movements (facial expressions, eye contact, posture, and gestures)
- In some cultures, smiling may indicate discomfort
- Other cultures display vigorous handshakes
- Hand gestures vary among cultures
- Eye contact varies according to culture
Communication Styles
Nonverbal
Communication
Proxemics
- Counselors and clients send and receive both verbal and nonverbal messages accurately and appropriately
- We as counselors may be more concerned with the accuracy of communication than whether the communication is appropriate
- Generally occurs outside the level of conscious awareness
- Varies from culture to culture
- Necessary within the context of
counseling
Perception and use of personal and interpersonal space
- Violation may cause withdrawal, defensiveness, anger, or other conflict
- Some cultures accept this closeness
- Counselors may be regarded as cold or aloof if they back away
- Counselors may misinterpret clients' closeness
Implications
- No one style of counseling will be appropriate for all situations
- Gain knowledge in the convergence of race/ethnicity, gender, and culture regarding communication styles
- Become aware of your own style
- Obtain additional training and education...consult, consult, consult!
- Think ethically, holistically, and remember the need for openness and flexibility in building our skills
Victoria Sepulveda, Ph.D., LPC, CSAC, NCC
January 16, 2015
Moment of Wellness!
http://elementalproject.org/21-pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity/
References
Thank you!
- American Counseling Association (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
- Robinson, T. L. (2012). The convergence of race, ethnicity, and gender: Multiple identities in counseling (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall.
- Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2013). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (6th ed.). New York: John Wiley and Sons.
- Vontress, C. E., Johnson, J. A., & Epp, L. R. (1999). Cross-cultural counseling: A casebook. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Email: dr.victoria.sepulveda@gmail.com
Have a fantastic day!