Counseling the Culturally Diverse. Laura Smith L.

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ loves the song, but I find it vulgar.

       Dr. D:

      Lots of songs press the limits of decency nowadays … Tell me about the attack.

       Gabriella:

      I don't know what happened. I lost control and started screaming at him. I threw dishes at him and started to cry. I couldn't breathe. Then it got really bad, and I could feel the heat rise in my chest. I was scared to death. Everything felt unreal and I felt like fainting. My mother used to suffer from similar episodes of ataques. Have I become like her? … God, I hope not!

       Dr. D:

      Sounds like you had another panic attack. Did you try the relaxation exercises we practiced?

       Gabriella:

      No, how could I? I couldn't control myself. It was frightening. I started to cry and couldn't stop. Russell kept telling me to calm down. We finally made up and got it on.

       Dr. D:

      I'm glad things got smoothed over. But you always say that you have no control over your attacks. We've spent lots of time on learning how to manage your panic attacks by nipping them in the bud … before they get out of control. Maybe some medication might help.

       Gabriella:

      Yes, I know, but it doesn't seem to do any good. I just couldn't help it.

       Dr. D:

      Did you try?

       Gabriella:

      Do you think I enjoy the attacks? [shouts] How come I always feel worse when I come here? I feel blamed … Russell says I'm a typical emotional Latina. What am I to do? I come here to get help, and I just get no understanding. [stated with much anger]

       Dr. D:

      You're angry at me because I don't seem to be supportive of your predicament, and you think I'm blaming you. But I wonder if you have ever asked yourself how you contribute to the situation as well. Do you think that fighting over a song is the real issue here?

       Gabriella:

      Maybe not, but I just don't feel like you understand.

       Dr. D:

      Understand what?

       Gabriella:

      Understand what it is like to be a Latina woman dealing with all those stereotypes. My parents don't want me living with Russell … they think he benefits from having sex with no commitment to marriage, and that I'm a fool. They think he is selfish and just wants a Latina … like a fetish…

       Dr. D:

      I think it's more important what you think and want for yourself, not what your parents would like you to do. Be your own person. And we've talked about cultural differences before, in the first session, remember? Cultural differences are important, but it's more important to recognize that we are all human beings. Granted, you and I are different from one another, but most people share many more similarities than differences.

       Gabriella:

      Yes, but can you really understand what's it like to be a Latina, the problems I deal with in my life? Aren't they important?

       Dr. D:

      Of course I can. And of course they [differences] are … but let me tell you, I've worked with many Latinos in my practice. When it comes right down to it, we are all the same under the skin.

       Gabriella:

      [period of silence]

       Dr. D:

      Now, let's go back and talk about your panic attacks and what you can do to prevent and reduce them.

      REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

      1 What are your thoughts and feelings about the counseling encounter between Dr. D. and Gabriella?

      2 Do you think that Dr. D. demonstrated cultural awareness? Is this an example of “good counseling”? If not, why not?

      3 When Gabriella described her episodes as ataques, do you know what she meant?

      4 What are the potential counseling and cultural issues in this case?

      5 Is it important for the counselor to know what the song “Booty” is about?

      6 When the parents suggest that their daughter might be a “fetish,” what could they possibly mean? Is it important?

      7 What images of Latinas exist in our society? How might they affect Gabriella's relationship with Russell?

      8 If you were the counselor, how would you have handled the situation?

Culturally competent care has become a major force in the helping professions (American Psychological Association, 2017; CACREP, 2015; Ratts, Singh et al., 2015). The therapy session between Dr. D. and Gabriella illustrates the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in mental health practice. There is a marked worldview difference between the White therapist and the Latina client. In many respects, these beliefs tend to overlook the importance of race and culture in the therapeutic setting. Let us briefly explore these factors in analyzing the preceding transcript.

CULTURE‐UNIVERSAL (ETIC) VERSUS CULTURE‐SPECIFIC (EMIC) FORMULATIONS

First and foremost, it is important to note that Dr. D. is well‐intentioned, but like many helping professionals he is culture‐bound and adheres to EuroAmerican assumptions and values that encapsulate and prevent him from seeing beyond his Western therapeutic training (Desai, Paranamana et al., 2021). One of the primary issues raised in this case relates to the etic (culturally universal) versus emic (culturally specific) perspectives in psychology and mental health. Dr. D. operates from the former position. His training has taught him that disorders such as panic attacks, depression, schizophrenia, and sociopathic behaviors appear in all cultures and societies; that minimal modification in their diagnosis and treatment is required; and that Western concepts of normality and abnormality can be considered universal and equally applicable across cultures (Arnett, 2009; Suzuki, Kugler, & Aguiar, 2005; Thalmayer, Toscanelli, & Arnett, 2021). Many culturally responsive psychologists, however, operate from an emic position and challenge these assumptions. In Gabriella's case, they argue that lifestyles, СКАЧАТЬ