Discussion Board Reply: Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence

Respond to two discussion questions. Each discussion reply must be at least 200 words each. The posts to respond too is below in the instructions.

Discussion Replies Instructions



Reply to the two post below. Label each reply with the following label:



Discussion Reply 1 Toshau Schultz

Discussion Reply 2 Anthony Patterson



1. Label Response by person name for example: Discussion Thread Reply Toshau Schultz.

2. Use a bible quote in each discussion thread reply.

3. The replies must be at least 200 words each.

4. Each reply must interact with a minimum of 1 academic resource published within the last 5 years.

5. Address the Discussion Board Forum topic thoroughly. Provide support for your comments through interaction with information from course resources or other academic resources in all posts.

6. Interact with information from the course resources or other academic sources in support of your comments and opinions

7. Correctly cite sources used in the posts both inside the body of the posts as well as list source citations alphabetically at the end of the posts per current APA formatting guidelines. Include page number in citation. (Example:Hays & Erford, 2018, p.75)

8. Sources you use must be published within the last five years and must be an academic source you use.

9. Reference 2 sources per reply when citing in the discussion thread. One can be the book for each reply. Book access is as follows:

Book Information:

Use the online book: https://mbsdirect(dot)vitalsource(dot)com





First 200 word post to respond to is Toshau Schultz:

Chapter 7 focuses on social class and classism. What recommendations do the authors suggest for addressing classism in counseling? Do you agree or disagree with the authors?





Proverbs 31:8-9 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” According to Hays & Erford (2018) classism is a prejudiced or biased attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes. Classism is broken down into two different subgroups. Internalized classism which refers to unexamined class biases that form our beliefs about ourselves and our surrounding network. Structural classism refers to social and institutional practices that are based on socioeconomic status (Hays & Erford, 2018). Classism in counseling is an important factor that needs to be vastly considered when working with diverse clients.



According to Hays & Erford (2018) It has become noted when addressing classism in counseling, that low-SES clients have higher dropout rates. “There are indications that therapist attitudes and values, as well as the quality of the therapeutic alliance, may contribute to dropout among low-SES clients” (Hays & Erford, 2018, p. 212). In my opinion, I have a difficult time agreeing and believing that the above statement is true, mostly because it saddens me that there may be some sort of discrimination due to lack of knowledge on the counselor's behalf. I believe that it is essential, prior to addressing classism, for the counselor to familiarize themselves with classism and the social class structure within their immediate community (Hays & Erford, 2018). Counselors who work with disadvantaged populations may be conflicted by their differences and confused with how to address certain situations.





Although there are many ways to improve one's ability to work with social class differences, authors Kim & Cardemil (2012) suggested that practicing self-reflection, being open to acknowledgment of differences, and incorporating appropriate community mindset approaches are all mentioned to be beneficial when addressing classism in counseling. Proper education in these areas allows the counselor to build self-awareness while becoming familiar with public policy and advocacy programs within the community. According to Hays & Erford (2018) there are many ways a counselor can familiarize themselves with classism. Ways such as volunteering within local organizations, interacting with other social classes, interviewing professionals in your field, along with constantly updating yourself on community status reports are all said to build a greater awareness on social class and classism. Proverbs 29:7 “A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.”





References





Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2018). Developing multicultural counseling competence: a systems approach. NY, NY: Pearson.



Second post to respond to is Anthony Patterson.

Chapter 5 addresses the issue of gender and sexuality. The issue of how to relate to transgender clients is a popular topic. Based on your readings and research, what recommendations can you offer for how counselors, especially Christian counselors, should counsel transgender clients?



My first initial thought would be to advise counselors the importance of allowing a transgender client like all clients the opportunity to volunteer as much information as they possibly can about their situation without any interruptions. I believe the more information retrieved about the individual gives the counselor a better understanding on what has transpired throughout the individual's life. I feel that it is important to embrace God's wisdom in order to guide your intuition so that you are able to effectively serve transgendered clients that are having various life issues. I would also proactively implement a type of prayer “praying for clients outside of sessions” or “silently praying for clients of sessions”. I believe that praying for the transgendered client outside of counseling sessions or praying for them silently during counseling sessions would be the most effective way for positive result development, especially with the possibility of physical abuse having some contribution to their transgender and gender-nonconforming thought process. According to McMinn (2011), “Some forms of prayer are always an important addition to effective counseling, and others can be easily misused and at times can work against the goals of Christian counseling” (p. 90).



One important factor that might be helpful when counseling those that are transgendered is for the counselor to have a full understanding of the lifestyle and what it means to go through life being frowned upon by many. Hays and Erford (2018) suggest that:



Gender identity is included in the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (ACA, 2014) as a status protected from discrimination, so counselors should seek opportunities to learn about this important community. These opportunities may include educating oneself via online resources, attending a professional workshop, watching films, or inviting a person who engages in advocacy for the TGNC community to speak to your colleagues and agency or in a school setting. (p.140)



Overall, I would suggest that Christian counselors should put heavy emphasis on the importance of allowing God to order your steps when dealing with the progressiveness of a oppositional force. It is very unfortunate that laws have been past to facilitate a behavior driven lifestyle that has been proven by nature alone not conducive for the human race. However, we as God fearing individuals must cultivate ourselves into this new society of “tolerance with no accountability” while simultaneously keeping the mindset righteousness.



References



Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2018). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN: 9780134523804.