Cultural awareness, humility, social justice, and advocacy are essential factors in the counseling profession. Mosher et al. (2017) explain that failing to understand the cultures and preferences of others poses a challenge to counselors in the community. Embracing these factors expands professionals’ presence, and helps them understand the clients and prioritize their needs. As a result, counselors achieve their desired outcomes while customers benefit from the professionals. Mosher et al. (2017) expound that understanding ethical principles during counseling helps professionals protect their clients’ well-being by outlining what is essential and helpful. Additionally, the rules and regulations enable professionals to offer help and ideas that are not dependent on their subjective viewpoints, but those that favor the customers. As a counselor, I will explore and understand clients’ conflicting issues and develop helpful strategies to solve them. Therefore, customers trust the counselor, which improves their relationship.
The book of Isaiah expounds on the importance of doing good and advocating for justice (Isaiah 1:17). Additionally, Philippians explains that individuals should be humble and put the needs of others before theirs (2:3-8). The verse encourages me to be humble and compassionate to needy people in society. As a counselor, I will demonstrate cultural humility through understanding my cultural heritage and that of the client and determining how they influence attitudes, beliefs, and life experiences. One action I will take to advocate or engage in customer social justice is applying mindful intervention strategies. Corresponding to Mosher et al. (2017), this can be achieved by being attentive when the client speaks and providing a negotiation platform. This therapy helps to reduce stress, enhance the client’s coping strategies, and improve their emotional regulation.
Reference
Mosher, D. K., Hook, J. N., Captari, L. E., Davis, D. E., DeBlaere, C., & Owen, J. (2017). Cultural humility: A therapeutic framework for engaging diverse clients. Practice Innovations, 2(4), 221.