This discussion explores the counseling session with Anna in “Probing Specific Concerns: Parents,” focusing on her coping strategies, available resources, and cultural barriers. It examines how Dr. Cervantes integrates cultural sensitivity and how counselors can apply evidence-based practices (EBP) to ensure clients feel heard and respected. Supported by scholarly sources and aligned with CACREP Standard 2.F.5.g.
Watch “Probing Specific Concerns: Parents” located in the Topic 3 Resources. Describe the client’s presentation in the session specific to coping strategies, resources, and barriers. What did you notice about how Dr. Cervantes attended to cultural components of the session with Anna. From your personal lens as a counselor, describe what you would do to apply the appropriate evidence-based practices (EBP) to ensure Anna feels heard and valued within the session if you were the counselor. Include at least one scholarly source to support your response. Cite any scholarly references accordingly using in-text citations and a reference list.This discussion question is informed by the following CACREP Standard: 2.F.5.g. Essential interviewing, counseling, and case conceptualization skills.
Solution
Client’s Presentation: Coping Strategies, Resources, and Barriers
In the session, Anna presents as a parent managing significant stress related to her child’s challenges. Coping strategies observed include Anna’s willingness to seek help and her openness to discussing her concerns with Dr. Cervantes, reflecting proactive engagement and a degree of resilience. She articulates her emotions and seeks guidance, which are adaptive responses in difficult circumstances.
Resources available to Anna include her commitment to her child’s well-being, her engagement with professional support (the session itself), and any informal support systems such as family or community, though these are not elaborated in detail in the segment. However, barriers are also evident: Anna may experience cultural stigma around counseling, uncertainty about available resources, and possibly language or systemic obstacles that could limit access to services. Emotional exhaustion and concerns about being misunderstood further complicate her ability to seek help effectively.
Dr. Cervantes’s Attention to Cultural Components
Dr. Cervantes demonstrates strong cultural competence throughout the session. He employs culturally sensitive interviewing by using open-ended questions, validating Anna’s feelings, and showing an awareness of the cultural contexts that may shape Anna’s experiences and perceptions of parenting and mental health. For example, Dr. Cervantes avoids making assumptions about Anna’s family structure or cultural norms and instead asks clarifying questions to better understand her unique perspective. He also uses language that is inclusive and respectful, and he checks for understanding, which can help bridge potential cultural or linguistic gaps. These practices align with best practices for multicultural counseling (Sue et al., 2009).
Counselor Perspective: Evidence-Based Practices for Anna
From my perspective as a counselor, ensuring Anna feels heard and valued involves intentionally applying evidence-based multicultural counseling practices. I would:
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Practice active listening and empathy: Consistently reflect Anna’s feelings and concerns back to her, validating her experience without judgment.
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Explore cultural values and beliefs: Gently ask about any cultural or family expectations that influence her coping or decision-making, integrating these insights into the counseling plan.
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Assess and build on strengths: Recognize and reinforce Anna’s existing strengths, such as her commitment to her child and willingness to seek support.
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Connect to culturally-relevant resources: Provide information about support services or community organizations that are sensitive to Anna’s background, and check for language-access needs.
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Collaborative goal-setting: Empower Anna to set her own goals for counseling, ensuring her voice guides the process.
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Address barriers directly: Discuss any obstacles (e.g., stigma, logistical challenges) and problem-solve together.
Research supports that culturally responsive and evidence-based practices—such as integrating cultural values, active listening, and strength-based approaches—not only improve therapeutic alliance but also enhance client outcomes (Sue et al., 2009). These approaches foster trust, help clients feel respected, and support positive change.
Reference
Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2009). Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.