Dr Dairie Young Case Summary
With the case of Dr. Daire, Young (2017 p.71) highlights the importance of addressing prejudices and how individuals, even if they do not wish to, may have prejudiced beliefs about culturally diverse individuals. Growing up in a small rural community I was not entirely aware of, or exposed to, cultural prejudices and racism because the population in which I was a part of was predominantly Caucasian. Since moving to a much larger and diverse city I am aware of just how ignorant and close-minded people can be about those who are culturally different. The case scenario that Young (2017) provides forced me to think more about this topic and why it is important in a helping relationship to address prejudice thoughts and beliefs. I feel it is important
to notice such differences between a counsellor and client because it allows both individuals to express themselves and to dispose of any judgmental beliefs they may have (i.e., the counsellor and client in the Daire case both having prejudiced beliefs about one another due to appearances, past experiences and upbringing) which will hopefully result in the forming of a strong therapeutic relationship.
To be considered multiculturally competent, a counsellor must be aware of their own cultural values and beliefs as well as those of their client's (CCPA, 2015). A counsellor must be aware of their client's culture and beliefs if they want to provide them with adequate services and if they do not address cultural differences how can they provide such services?
References
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2015). CCPA standards of practice for counsellors. (5th ed.). Ottawa: Author.
to notice such differences between a counsellor and client because it allows both individuals to express themselves and to dispose of any judgmental beliefs they may have (i.e., the counsellor and client in the Daire case both having prejudiced beliefs about one another due to appearances, past experiences and upbringing) which will hopefully result in the forming of a strong therapeutic relationship.
To be considered multiculturally competent, a counsellor must be aware of their own cultural values and beliefs as well as those of their client's (CCPA, 2015). A counsellor must be aware of their client's culture and beliefs if they want to provide them with adequate services and if they do not address cultural differences how can they provide such services?
References
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. (2015). CCPA standards of practice for counsellors. (5th ed.). Ottawa: Author.