The term “culturally encapsulated counselor” refers to a counselor who:
Group of answer choices
counsels in a setting where the clients are not diverse.
defines reality according to one set of cultural assumptions and fails to evaluate other viewpoints, which renders the counselor insensitive to cultural variations.
understands that all counseling is cross-cultural.
considers evidence that challenges his or her assumptions.
has internalized some of society’s biases.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
“Defines reality according to one set of cultural assumptions and fails to evaluate other viewpoints, which renders the counselor insensitive to cultural variations.”
Explanation:
A culturally encapsulated counselor is someone who operates within their own cultural worldview without recognizing or considering the diverse perspectives of others. This mindset leads to insensitivity toward cultural differences, often resulting in biased or ineffective counseling practices.
Such counselors may assume that their beliefs, values, and behaviors are universal and applicable to all clients. This assumption can cause them to impose their cultural norms onto clients from different backgrounds, potentially leading to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, or inappropriate interventions. For instance, a culturally encapsulated counselor might misinterpret a client’s cultural expressions of distress as psychological disorders rather than recognizing them as culturally normative responses.
Culturally encapsulated counselors may also rely on stereotypes or generalizations about certain groups, which can prevent them from seeing the unique experiences of each individual. They often lack awareness of their own cultural biases and fail to seek knowledge about diverse cultural perspectives.
To be effective, counselors must practice cultural competence, which involves self-awareness, open-mindedness, and a commitment to learning about different cultural backgrounds. This includes actively challenging one’s own biases, seeking supervision or training in multicultural counseling, and tailoring therapeutic approaches to fit the client’s cultural context.
In contrast, a culturally competent counselor understands that all counseling is inherently cross-cultural and recognizes the importance of adapting interventions to meet the diverse needs of clients. By being aware of their cultural biases and making efforts to understand different perspectives, counselors can create an inclusive, respectful, and effective therapeutic environment.