2 culturally effective helping

©2013, Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning

Chapter Two:

Culturally Effective Helping


Culture – “That complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, morals, customs, and capabilities acquired by a person as a member of society. It is a way of life of a group of people, the configuration of all the more or less stereotyped patterns of learned behavior which are handed down from one generation to the next through the means of language and imitation” (Adler 1997).

What is Culture?


Knowledge of one’s own cultural biases.

Basic knowledge about a variety of cultures.

Willingness and ability to use skills and techniques that better match the culture of the client in crisis.

Experience in counseling and crisis intervention with clients of a different culture.

Four Attributes of Effective Multiculutral Crisis Intervention

(Kiselica, 1998)


There is a universal measure of “normal” behavior.

Individuals, rather than groups, are the foundation of all societies.

Definitions of presenting problems are limited by professional disciplines.

Western culture relies on abstract thinking.

Independence is valued over dependence.

Professional Counseling is better than natural support systems.

Ten Culturally Biased Assumptions(Pederson, 1987)


Linear causality is more accurate than circular causality.

Individuals need to change to fit the system.

The client’s history does not affect the current situation.

Interventionists are aware of ALL of their biases.

ALL TEN ASSUPMPTIONS ARE FLAWED!

Ten Culturally Biased Assumptions Cont.

(Pederson, 1987)


Universal vs. Focused Universal View examines racial and ethnic

minorities, as well as special populations. Focused View examines only “visible and

racial ethnic minorities.”

Etic vs. Emic Etic – one dimensional or linear lens Emic – gestalt or circular lens

Multicultural View of Crisis Intervention


What is the client’s world view? Self-concept, sense of well-being,

emotional control, and relational and attributional styles

Opposing Views Individualism vs. Collectivism High-Content vs. Low-Content High-Uncertainty vs. Low-Uncertainty

Worldviews


Victims of a crisis base their ability to overcome the trauma by relying on their own set of cultural survival skills.

May be significantly different from the cultural skills of the crisis worker.

Not recognizing the client’s worldview may lead the crisis worker to make grievous errors in assessment and treatment of crisis intervention.

Multicultural perspectives in Crisis Intervention


Individualism Vs. Collectivism

Individualism Centralizes the personal and

peripheralizes the social group.

Prefer low-context direct communication.

Prefer a confrontation and arbitration approach to conflict resolution.

Collectivism Assumes that the individual

is simply a component of the larger social group.

Prefer high-context indirect communication.

Prefer an accommodation approach to conflict resolution.

No difference regarding one’s “sense of family obligation.”


High-Content Vs. Low-Content

High-Content

Self-image and worth are defined in reference to a group.

Information is expressed implicitly and non-verbally.

May become embarrassed when talking directly about the crisis event.

Low-Content

Self-image and worth are defined in individual terms.

Information is expressed explicitly.

Does not like the use of stories, proverbs, metaphors, etc. as a method of communication.


High-Uncertainty Vs. Low-Uncertainty

High-Uncertainty

Abides by a broad range of rigid rules, regulations, and procedures that cover a multitude of situations.

Low-Uncertainty

Abides by a more laid-back attitude of acceptance of the situation and gratitude for survival.

“I’m alive, that’s all that matters, I’ll figure the rest out later.”


What is your identity? Mother Wife Daughter Sister Friend Athlete Raised in a small

town Lives in an urban

area

Catholic Employee Musician Recovering

Alcoholic Alumni of Indiana

University Member of Junior

Auxiliary

Social Locations


RESPECTFUL Religious/Spiritual Economic class Sexual identity Psychological development Ethnic/racial Chronological age Traumatic threats Family Unique physical issues Language/location of residence

Social Location Models


ADDRESSING Age Development Disability Religion Ethnicity Social class Sexual orientation Indigenous heritage National orientation Gender

Social Location Models Cont.

For a complete list, include geographic location, living area (urban, suburban, rural), occupation, education, and

marital/partner status.


Ecology – the living environment in which the intervention occurs.

Social Locations Graph


Lack of consensus on key terms. Ethnicity Race Ethnic and racial identity Culture

Inaccurate assumption that current theories of counseling, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention are inherently biased and oppressive.

Shortcomings of a Multiculturalist Approach to Crisis Intervention


Much of the literature on multicultural competencies has not been peer reviewed or is not based on empirical research.

False acceptance of the division between collectivist and individualist cultures.

Shortcomings Cont.


Empathic

Caring

Demonstrates positive regard

Advocates

Genuine belief that humans are more alike than they are different

Characteristics of Effective Multicultural Counselors


Do’s Examine and understand the client’s worldview. Use alternative roles that are appealing to the client. Assist the client in utilizing culturally indigenous support

systems. Take your time to fully triage the situation. If possible, normalize the reaction to a traumatic event. Empower the client.

Don’ts Impose personal values and expectations onto the client. Stereotype the client, client behaviors, or culture. Force unimodal counseling approaches upon the client. Interfere with long-held issues ingrained in the client.

Effective Strategies of Multicultural Crisis Intervention


Language Barriers Confidentiality Translators

Family member vs. professional translator

Religion/Spirituality often mistakenly avoided by the crisis worker

Religion, spirituality, and faith are often a large part of the crisis response.

Do NOT merely suggest the client consult with their religious/spiritual leader as a means to abdicate your responsibility as a crisis worker.

Obstacles to Effective Multicultural Crisis Intervention


Social Support System May not be used in a linear way. “Family” may not be limited to those living in the house of

the client. Using professional services may be taboo in some cultures.

Occupation Many crisis workers often mistakenly fail to address this

significant social location.

Rural Geographic Locale Typically lack resources and do not have the population to

warrant federal aid. May be suspicious of professional service workers from

other communities.

Obstacles Cont.


definition of “help” may differ between the crisis worker and the client.

Who’s turf is it? Cultural differences are exacerbated when an

“outsider” crisis worker enters the “turf” of the client.

“Outsider” could mean from a different geographic region, state, county, or even town.

Crisis workers need to be aware of the cultural subtleties.

More Obstacles


Local leaders know the infrastructure of the community.

Using local leaders may provide a model of cooperation for community members.

Local leaders may have their own agendas rather than maintaining objectivity.

Non-local crisis workers should not attempt to address social injustices ingrained in the community.

The Dilemma of Local Consultation


People most likely to receive services are: YAVIS

Young Attractive Verbal Intelligent Socially well connected

People most likely NOT to receive services are: Low-income, elderly, limited-education, and

ethnic minorities

Who Receives Services?

2 culturally effective helping

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