Monocultural Ethnocentric Approach

Historically speaking most theories of counseling are based on Western assumptions. Research has shown that for non-White clients the monocultural ethnocentric approach is not effective. For example, Sue & Sue (2013) believe that because most therapist are trained to use the Western approach they lack expertise in working with culturally diverse clients. Also many of these counseling theories do not work for culturally diverse clients because they go against their beliefs and values. Therefore, it can be concluded that Western counseling theories can be oppressive in nature, and have the tendency to oppress diverse cultural groups. Bryant-Davis & Ocampo (2005) believe much of the macrosystemic problems experienced by African Americans, Latino
The use of the deficit model is a method that oppresses the African American culture. The cultural deficit model stems from negative beliefs and assumptions regarding the ability, aspirations, and work ethic of systematically marginalized peoples (Irizarry& Antrop-Gonzalez, 2007).The deficit model contends that middle and upper class students are successful in school because of their resources. On the other hand, the deficit model believes that students of color and low-income students are not successful in school because of perceived “cultural deprivation.” The negativity of this model can have profound effects on African American children and their educational success. For example, the negative beliefs regarding students of color and poor students can also result in stereotype threat (Steele, 1997), resulting in depressed academic