The culturally encapsulated counselor is characterized by:
defining reality according to the client’s reality.
showing sensitivity to cultural variations among
individuals.
evaluating other viewpoints and making attempts to accommodate
the behavior of others.
defining reality according to one set of cultural
assumptions.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
“Defining reality according to one set of cultural assumptions.”
Explanation:
A culturally encapsulated counselor operates within the framework of their own cultural values, beliefs, and assumptions without considering the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of their clients. This term was introduced by Wrenn (1962) to describe counselors who fail to acknowledge or incorporate cultural differences into their practice. Instead, they impose their own cultural worldview onto clients, which can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and ineffective counseling interventions.
When a counselor defines reality according to one set of cultural assumptions, they assume that their way of thinking, behaving, and interpreting experiences is universal. This perspective can be problematic because it disregards the cultural influences that shape a client’s identity, worldview, and coping mechanisms. For instance, a counselor from an individualistic culture may view a client’s strong family dependence as unhealthy, whereas in many collectivist cultures, such dependence is considered normal and beneficial.
A culturally encapsulated counselor may also fail to recognize systemic issues such as racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities that impact a client’s well-being. This can lead to victim-blaming or offering solutions that do not align with the client’s cultural context.
To avoid cultural encapsulation, counselors must develop cultural competence, which involves:
- Awareness – Recognizing their own cultural biases and assumptions.
- Knowledge – Understanding the cultural backgrounds of their clients.
- Skills – Adapting counseling techniques to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
By acknowledging and respecting diverse perspectives, counselors can foster a more inclusive and effective therapeutic environment, ensuring that clients receive the support that aligns with their cultural values and needs.