Question

How can you, as a helping professional, address issues that might lead to or be a result of cultural differences?

Answer 1

One of the most important things to consider to accept and appreciate cultural differences is to be open minded. Being open would help one accept people from all any background and appreciate the differences. It would also help one learn the different practices, belief systems and customs of different cultures thus preparing well for others from the same culture. Secondly, one should overcome the superiority complex about one’s own culture. Normally, when people from certain cultures who think that other cultures are inferior to theirs, they would disregard certain practices and would misinterpret the actions and responses of their clients. So, treating people and cultures equally would help one view things from the clients’ point of view. Thirdly, as helping professional one needs to spend some time to learn about the cultures and cultural interpretations of one’s clients. This self-education would prepare one to deal with one’s clients better. Finally, doing things in one’s clients’ way would help one’s client relate to the counselor better thus would open up for a fruitful counseling relationship.

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