Challenging Difference in Counselling

Research shows that adolescents can experience colourism at school and college, in the criminal justice system, at work and in the media, (Harvard, 2018). D'Ardenne and Mahtani (1999) understood that counsellors should be able to examine their cultural assumptions and face their fears of alienation to enable more effective counselling. Therefore there is an exploration on both sides of the counselling relationship.

Breaking Down Barriers

In counselling sessions, striving to create a safe and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment is imperitive. Reeves's, 2013 Safe space.

Cultural Sensitivity

Counsellors need an awareness of cultural sensitivity. Understanding the importance of acknowledging and respecting the diverse backgrounds of clients, and tailoring the therapeutic approach to meet their needs. By embracing diversity and building stronger therapeutic relationships it will facilitate a meaningful change. Thorne 1990 implies that clients that have a motivation to change will benefit most as opposed to people with rigid beliefs.

Promoting Equality

By challenging differences and advocating for equality. There may be more inclusive societies.

Ethical Practice

Ethics are morals that are socially accepted by groups, and they can form a framework that are regarded as standards. Counsellors can look to the proffessional organisations to define the standards and structure for counsellors. They help to guide a counsellor to work in a moral and correct professional manner.

Ethical Review

The ethical framework in counselling provides a structured set of principles and guidelines to ensure that the therapeutic process is conducted with integrity, respect, and professionalism. It emphasizes key values and in the UK the BACP offers ideas around this. Counsellors are required to prioritize the well-being of their clients, creating trust by maintaining boundaries and practicing cultural sensitivity. Adhering to an ethical framework helps navigate these complex situations, whilst ensuring accountability and minimizing harm. By integrating these principles, counsellors uphold the rights of clients and promote ethical decision-making in their practice.

 

The Key Factors of the framework are:

  • Confidentiality

  • Informed Consent

  • Boundaries

  • Competence

  • Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

  • Autonomy

  • Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

  • And Accountability

Ethical guidlines click below:

If a counsellor understands alienation through difference, they can be more equipped to understand how a client feels uncomfortable in certain situations. "Counselling could aid in the alleviation of this alienation" (Vlaicu, 2021).