Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Psychologists through the course of their careers come into contact with many clients. Not all clients, however, are from the same homogeneous cultural system. In Australia, as in many other multicultural countries, the deeply entrenched individualist assumptions related to the practice of counselling can become a challenge when working with culturally diverse individuals, as has been noted in the literature. While some of these issues have been acknowledged and tangible recommendations for culturally responsive practice have been made, cultural backgrounds with their diverse world views continue to significantly affect openness to seeking counselling, response to specific theoretical approaches used and often the counselling process in general. Case studies of ethnically diverse clients are used to highlight the challenges inherent in providing counselling to these clients and how their diverse world views are reflected in counselling. Recommendations for culturally sensitive strategies that close the gap between individualist and collectivist frameworks that compliment collectivist orientations and build culturally competent practice are put forward.