Issues and Trends in a Multicultural and Diverse Society

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Final Paper
Introduction
Professional Counselling concerns itself with the provision of psychological support to Individuals with mental issues. Professional counselling therefore holds itself to the highest professional standards. Professional Counselling as a scientific discipline is consistently evolving in part to meet the demands of the people it serves. The Global community has evolved in recent decades CITATION Ahm11 \l 1033 (Ahmed & Jones, 2011). Influenced in part by the trend towards globalization and international migration. As these trends become the norm, this has presented new challenges for professional counselling. Societies have become more integrated and less homogenous. Thus, there is need to develop new methodologies to tackle the new challenges that arise as a result of multicultural and diverse societies CITATION Ble16 \l 1033 (Blevins, 2016).
The paper therefore looks at the issues and trend in modern multicultural societies. The paper will dissect these issues and attempt to determine how professional counselling can best respond to these challenges. The importance of social and cultural competence in providing counseling services will be addressed. The paper will finally conduct a personal examination of my own social and cultural awareness, attitudes, and biases.
Issues and Trends in a Multicultural and Diverse Society
Culture is the major difference between individuals in a diverse society. Culture being the sum total of one's experience as a result of their environment. Culture therefore has a significant impact on an individual's psychological makeup. Culture impacts seemingly mundane human activities in significant ways CITATION Jal16 \l 1033 (Jaladin, 2016). In some cultures, it is impolite to make eye contact while in the Western Culture it is a sign of confidence and trust. An understanding of these nuances in the individuals within any culture enables a professional counsellor to be in a better position to cater for the needs of a client CITATION Ahm11 \l 1033 (Ahmed & Jones, 2011). Recognizing cultural differences and being sensitive enough to appreciate and respect empower professional counselling as a discipline CITATION Kra12 \l 1033 (Krawford, 2012). Professional Counsellor's can make their clients feel at ease by acknowledging the different cultures. Counsellor's can further express an innate willingness to learn throughout the counselling process. This contributes to building trust between the counsellor and the client. The client noting that their needs are considered will benefit greatly from the interaction CITATION LeB09 \l 1033 (LeBeeauf, 2009).
The client centered approach theorized by the third force of Roger's Psychotherapy noted the importance of establishing the client as the central focal point of counseling CITATION Eth11 \l 1033 (Ethics.iit.edu, 2011). This therefore created a need to understand the client and the role of self in counselling. The self has been proven to be a powerful force in counselling. Professional counselling must therefore take note of the self and how it impacts counselling. Self-identity is a difficult subject noting its subjective nature. In a multicultural society, the role of self become...