Multicultural Competence

Multicultural Competence
Throughout my practicum, I have realized the importance of being aware of the clients and their backgrounds. I didn’t realize that there was a client in one of the group sessions that was homosexual. When my comment in the group was taken to mean a husband and wife relationship, I didn’t know his background or situation. The other therapist commented and asked how he felt about the topic and if he was uncomfortable. He mentioned that he was ok with it, he felt he could apply what they were saying to any other kind of relationship. He also said that he had come to terms to the fact that he would probably never get married. This just made me realize that I was no longer just with heterosexual LDS men and later I would
Many of the LDS men will bring religion into the groups and talk about how helpful it has been, which is great for them and allows them to see the blessings in their life through their religion. However, I have come to appreciate those who aren’t LDS because their comments and thoughts are going to be helpful to anyone since they aren’t based solely on LDS church principles. It gives the group an entirely new perspective that they hadn’t thought about or had seen on their own. Throughout my practicum, I have come to realize I need to learn about each one of my clients, know their story, where they come from, and what their beliefs are. None of the clients are the same and I have learned I need to always get to know each client individually so that I can help them more
CBT would be more beneficial to use in some of my therapy sessions. I have focused many sessions on the interventions used in solution focused therapy, but most of my clients aren’t coming in for short term treatment, most are coming in for more long term treatment. I feel that CBT would be more helpful to some of my clients. One of my clients is anxious often throughout the week, always preparing for the next blow up to happen. CBT would help figure out those negative thoughts that she is having. It would also help the client recognize those thoughts and realize when they are coming up that that would be an ideal time to use those coping skills.
There are other areas that I can learn to grow in. It would be beneficial for me to practice more of the therapy styles and interventions. I’ve practiced them in class, so I know that if I practice those styles in therapy sessions I will be able to grow more. I also feel I need to learn more about how to deal with clients with addictions. I haven’t had much practice with clients who have a full blown addiction to something. I know that this is what I need to work on, but I know that I can only do so much as an