DQ 10.1 # 1
Counsellors must create, adopt, and customize their skills and strategies according to the client’s
challenges. Thus, the “one-size-fits-all” approach does not work all the time (Shebib, 2022).
In Sophia’s case, there are two individuals seeking help: an immigrant mother and a daughter
with multiple sclerosis. Sophia presents challenges with her daughter’s homeschooling, being
overwhelmed and her daughter’s health issues. To assist effectively, I must perceive their cultural
background and social values, which involves learning about what type of help and support
Sophia prefers. I need to develop my knowledge about how to treat sclerosis through counselling
for both mother and daughter context; it is essential to know how open she is to various solutions
and how they fit with her cultural beliefs because, Latin American cultures practice “familismo,”
or loyalty to the family (Abrams, 2021), Cross-cultural learning will guide me to identify the best
possible solutions (Shebib, 2022; Slay-Westbrook, 2017).
Ethan’s case presents many tough experiences. Such as escaping from civil war, wife’s death,
failure to get asylum in the US and entering Canada illegally. This event brings challenges to
understanding and measuring emotional distress and culturally competent services. In addition,
Western psychology might not fully get the depth of his experiences creating more complexity.
(Kanagaratnam et al., 2017). My first approach will get him legal help by learning more about
immigration laws. understanding the importance of cultural, geopolitical, and legal realities in
the context of premigration, transmigration and present challenges. I will also use non-verbal
ways like music, art, and storytelling to build a connection with him for future therapy (Stewart,
2014; Abrams, 2021).
How important is it to avoid judgmental responses based on one's frames of reference?
Abrams, Z. (2021, October 01). How psychologists can help refugees. Retrieved from
American Psychological Association : https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/10/cepsychologists-help-refugees
Kanagaratnam et al. (2017, June 30). Recommendations for Canadian Mental Health
Practitioners Working With War-Exposed Immigrants and Refugees. Retrieved
from Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health:
https://www.cjcmh.com/doi/pdf/10.7870/cjcmh-2017-010
Shebib, B. (2022). Choices: Interviewing and Counselling Skills for Canadians. North
York: Perason Canada Inc.
Slay-Westbrook, S. (2017). Respect-Focused Therapy Honoring Clients Through the
Therapeutic Relationship and Process . NEW YORK AND LONDON: Taylor &
Francis Group.
Stewart, J. (2014). The School Counsellor’s Role in Promoting Social Justice for
Refugee and Immigrant Children. Canadian Journal of Counselling and
Psychotherapy /, 251–269.