1. Week 11 Response to Classmates
Please no plagiarism and make sure you are able to access all resource on your own before
you bid. One of the references must come from Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). You are
expected to include at least one scholarly and peer-reviewed resource outside of those
provided in the readings for each discussion post. Read a selection of your colleagues’
postings. I need this completed by 05/11/18 at 7pm. Please put some thought into each
responses. There are 3 responses needed in this post. Support each response with
references.Respond by Day 5 to at least two of your colleagues’ postings (note: the
colleagues to whom you respond should have chosen the opposite VFE® than you) in one or
more of the following ways:· Provide an alternative perspective.· Share an insight from
having read your colleague’s posting.· Expand on your colleague’s posting.Please thoroughly
read the Discussion Posting and Response Rubric attached to evaluate both the posts and
responses. There are four components evaluated for each Discussion Post and Response.1.
Responsiveness to Discussion Question /92. Critical Thinking, Analysis, and Synthesis /93.
Professionalism of Writing /54. Responsiveness to Peers /9To get the highest grade
possible, ask yourself if you have SURPASSED the following standards as you re-read your
posts BEFORE submitting them:1. Response to Peers: Do my peer responses indicate that I
have read, thought about, and selectively responded to my colleague’s discussion posts in a
complex way? Are my responses engaging, insightful, reflective of current events, or
relevant to some experience I have had? Rather than just demonstrating agreement with the
ideas presented by a colleague, or randomly quoting some resource in order to satisfy a
formulaic inclusion of a citation and a reference, you are encouraged to provide an engaging
response post which specifically builds upon the ideas of your colleague in an original and
substantial manner, including relevant professional resources that go beyond what you are
required to read for the course. 1. (A. Ola)Culturally competent counselors have an
awareness that clients will bring their unique cultural worldview to the therapeutic session
(Arredondo et al., 1996; Hays, 2016; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004; Powers & Kalodner,
2016). The counselor must have self-awareness, knowledge, and skills to be able to
efficiently work with culturally diverse clients (Arredondo et al., 1996). He or she must be
cognizant of culturally appropriate ways to adapt their theoretical orientation to meet the
unique needs of clients, who may be struggling with issues of identity and cultural
expectations, in the context of historical oppression and prejudice (Hays, 2016; Laureate
Education, 2012h; Laureate Education, 2012i). The Virtual Field Experience (VFE) involved
using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Affirmative Therapy (AT) to counsel and
2. analysis the counseling sessions between two counselors and their individual clients
(Laureate Education, 2012h; Laureate Education, 2012i; Powers & Kalodner, 2016).Insights
GainedThe Virtual Field Experience (VFE) videos and analysis throughout each session
provided feedback “in real time.” The pauses to processing the sessions was a meaningful
way to explore both the worldview and theoretical orientation of the counselors, Dr. Ford
and Dr. Patterson and the nonverbal communication and cultural worldviews of the clients
(Laureate Education, 2012h; Laureate Education, 2012i). As a visual learner, it was helpful
for me to observe as Dr. Nabor asked questions of each therapist and gave feedback right
away. The VFE videos also gave me the opportunity to asses my beliefs about the
conceptualization of the presenting issues, versus the viewpoint of the professional
counselor, through the lens of his or her therapeutic orientation.Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy was utilized to alter Luis’ family schema, disrupt irrational beliefs, and make him
aware of the possibility for a more balanced cultural identity that incorporates both his
ideal and his historical, cultural self (Gehart & Turtle, 2003; Laureate Education, 2012h;
Powers & Kalodner, 2016). Although Dr. Ford has general knowledge of cultural norms of
Hispanic American men, Luis is working hard to be the opposite of that norm (Laureate
Education, 2012h). Through Dr. Ford’s questioning, I was able to find out what “neo-
machista” meant to Luis (Laureate Education, 2012h, 20:43 minutes). Finding a balance
between Luis’ family’s cultural beliefs of machismo and cultural pride, and his desired
identity as an egalitarian, intercultural husband was a significant goal for Luis (Laureate
Education, 2012h).From the Affirming Therapy VFE video observations, I gained an
understanding of the importance of observing the nonverbal communication of the client
and inquiring what those meant for Tracy (Laureate Education, 2012i). In Dr. Patterson’s
work with Tracy, I observed her planting possibilities based on the client’s goals (Laureate
Education, 2012i, 41:00 mins). While her persistence was relatively uncomfortable for the
client, she was affirming that Tracy’s questioning was okay throughout the session
(Laureate Education, 2012i). The use of affirmation provided an atmosphere for Tracy to
consider possibilities for a future outside of the prescribed norms of her familial
expectations (Laureate Education, 2012i; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004). Dr. Patterson’s use
of words, aligned with her purpose of having them share a common vocabulary (Laureate
Education, 2012i, 38:46 minutes), even when the nonverbal communication from Tracy
showed her obvious discomfort (Laureate Education, 2012i). From the interaction between
Dr. Nabors and Dr. Patterson, the major premise I came to understand is that cultural issues
of identity can be complex (Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004). A culturally sensitive counselor
must complete a holistic assessment of the client, their verbal and nonverbal
communication and desired goals of treatment, to be sure not to push a client too fast or
hold a client back from change, without considering the unique nature of their
circumstances (Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004).Influence on Future Counseling PracticeThe
VFE videos provided insights that will be useful for working with clients in my future
practice (Laureate Education, 2012h; Laureate Education, 2012i). Creating a safe place for
clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is a critical component of therapy
(Wubbolding, 2015; Laureate Education, 2012i, 41:10 minutes; Pachankis & Goldfried,
2004; Powers & Kalodner, 2016). Both VFE videos provided an environment where the
3. exploration of concepts, beliefs and cultural expectations could in an alternate reality take
place. In my practice, I will establish rapport by setting a therapeutic environment where
the free sharing of concepts, ideas, and beliefs are not only acceptable but also explored
without judgment (Hays, 2016; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004). As I actively listen for themes
of the client’s schema and explore what could be, using an integrated approach, a
therapeutic bond of trust and openness can take place more readily (Hays, 1996; Hays,
2016; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004; Powers & Kalodner, 2016).SummaryBoth Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy and Affirming Therapy integrate well theoretically when counseling
culturally diverse populations (Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004; Powers & Kalodner,
2016). Counselors must be flexible in the application of his or her theoretical orientation in
counseling with clients (Hays, 2016; Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004). Self-awareness,
knowledge, and skills with diverse populations will enlighten practitioners on the general
practices, beliefs, and attitudes of diverse clients (Arredondo, 1996). However, it is also
essential for the therapist to possess an awareness that each individual is unique, and their
cultural worldview may reflect different values than their identifiable characteristics (Sue &
Sue, 2016). ReferencesArredondo, P., Toporek, M. S., Brown, S., Jones, J., Locke, D. C.,
Sanchez, J. and Stadler, H. (1996) Operationalization of the Multicultural Counseling
Competencies. AMCD: Alexandria, VA.Gehart, D. R., & Tuttle, A. R. (2003). Theory-based
treatment planning for marriage and family therapists. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.Hays, P. A.
(1995). Multicultural applications of cognitive-behavior therapy. Professional Psychology:
Research and Practice, 26(3), 309–315. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.Hays,
P. A. (2016). Addressing cultural complexities in practice: Assessment, diagnosis,
andtherapy(3rd ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.Laureate
Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012h). Virtual Field ExperienceTM: Adaptation of
CBT. Baltimore, MD: Author.Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012i). Virtual
Field ExperienceTM: Affirmative therapy. Baltimore, MD: Author.Pachankis, J. E. &
Goldfried, M. R. (2004). Clinical issues in working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.
Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(3), 227–246. Retrieved from the
Walden Library databases.Powers, Y. O., & Kalodner, C. R. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral
theories. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Eds.), Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and
interventions (6th ed., pp. 227-252). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.Sue,
D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.).
Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.Wubbolding, R. E. (2016). Reality therapy/choice theory. In D. Capuzzi &
M. D. Stauffer (Eds.), Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (6th ed.,
pp. 311-338). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.2. (F. Pie)Cognitive
Behavior Therapy (CBT) can be very effective in helping clients to talk through depressive
concerns. There are some experts that believe CBT is most effective when combined with
the use of other theories that have applicable constructs to the presenting issue of the client
(Hays, 2016). The goal of CBT is to guide the individual into recognizing inaccurate or
destructive thinking in order to develop clarity and more effective responses (Sue & Sue,
2016; Hays, 2016). Although CBT can be used to address many challenging concerns that a
client may have, there has been significant evidence of its usefulness for mental disorders
that can be triggered by stress or anxiety. Some of those conditions may be depression,
4. acute anxiety disorder, PTSD, or eating disorders (Hays, 1995).Virtual Field Experience
Insight The Virtual Field Experience (VFE) videos provided the opportunity to
observe the unfolding of the use the theories. One thing that stood out the most for me is
that in both VFE videos the therapists were able to provide a review of their own
sessions. This is significant to me because practicing to review the sessions is a great tool
for perfecting the skills to help the clients that are being serviced. When we are able to look
back to observe body language, tones, and see the perception of our words from a different
angle then we may catch something that we were unable to detect in the moment. Dr. Ford
used CBT to allow Louise to receive another viewpoint of his own situation. He wanted him
to realize that he has more power than what he was presently tapping into (Laureate,
2012h). This was revelatory because that is the whole premise of the CBT therapy. Louise
was having some concerns for depression according to Dr. Ford, which may have been
stimulated from the challenges that he was experiencing in his marriage. The client was a
child of divorce and the thought of his marriage ending was an overwhelming thought. He
did not want his children to experience the same heartache he did as a child. Dr. Ford was
able to shed some light on the way that Louise viewed is circumstance, especially since most
of the conflicts that he and his wife were having derived from their cultural differences. It
was also intriguing that Dr. Ford wanted him to learn to stand up for himself more and be
assertive in asking for what he wanted. Louise needed to determine what was acceptable in
his life but he just did not know how to state in a way that was not demanding. It was
important to him not to behave in a demanding manner because that is what he had seen in
his father. Dr. Ford could have been presumptuous in stating that Louise was depressed
because depression can be prone in some Hispanic males (Hays, 1995). It is important for
the counselors to look for potential weaknesses in diagnosis, cultural competency, and the
theory that is being used (Walman & Creed & Beck, 2016).Future Counseling PracticeAs a
future counselor I want to be able to guild clients into a new personal revelation that will
invoke the change that they desire. Watching the use of the CBT during the VFE helped me
to see all the more how effective the intervention tools can be (Laureate,
2012h). Sometimes an individual may just need to hear something another away so that
they can embrace it or even from another person. I also am realizing more that I would like
to implement the use of video recording during some of the sessions that I conduct. I see
this as a great tool to help grow and mature as a counselor. I also want to ensure that I am
measuring the individual needs of the client while taking consideration for their cultural
makeup (Sue & Sue, 2016). SummaryA counselor that is well skilled in the use of culturally
competent interventions affords their clients the opportunity to thrive (Hays, 2016). The
client is often dependent on the counseling process because this may be their final hope to
overcome the challenges that may be consuming their life. Theories like CBT can relieve
some of the pressure and weightiness of their circumstance because they are able to
perceive it in new light. It is imperative that the counselor work to ensure that they are
culturally aware and applying the theories properly.ReferencesHays, P. A. (2016).
Addressing cultural complexities in practice: Assessment, diagnosis, and therapy (3rd ed.).
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.Hays, P. A. (1995). Multicultural
applications of cognitive-behavior therapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice,
5. 26(3), 309–315.Waltman, S. H., Creed, T. A., & Beck, A. T. (2016). Are the effects of cognitive
behavior therapy for depression falling? review and critique of the evidence. Clinical
Psychology: Science and Practice, 23(2), 113-122.Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling
the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.3. (K. Den)Virtual
Field Experience Recap The Virtual Field Experience videos were interesting to
watch. Studies have shown that people of the nondominated culture disproportionately
terminate counseling before completion of treatment often citing cultural bias as the reason
(Malott, Havlik, Palacios, & Lewis, 2014). Watching counselors practice their craft in a
culturally sensitive way was more insightful than reading about how to do this. Stopping
the counseling sessions to discuss why the counselor approached it in the way they had or
asked the questions they had was helpful as well. Learning the rationale behind why they
asked a particular question or approached a specific topic helped further demonstrate why
being culturally competent is important. This discussion will provide a summary of insights
had or information gained from viewing the Virtual Field Experience videos and explain
how these insights or information will assist in future counseling practice.Summary of
Insights or Information Gained Two insights I gained from watching the Virtual Field
Experience videos are to have knowledge of a client’s culture, but don’t assume that it’s a
cultural issue causing their problems and how important assessment of yourself is. Having
knowledge of a client’s culture includes being aware of any microaggressions which might
occur. For instance, I noticed when watching the video where Dr. Patterson counsels Tracy,
I recall thinking, “She dresses like a butch lesbian.” This thought is a
microaggression. Women are often criticized about their ways of dress while men are
criticized about their ways of behaving when they go against the heteronormative ideal
(Nadal, 2013). While I am aware of gay, lesbian, and bisexual culture and am an ally to
those who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, I still find myself committing microaggressions
against them without realizing it. This is why continually assessing oneself is so
important. In the video with Dr. Ford and Luis, Dr. Ford doesn’t assume that Luis subscribes
to Latin cultural values of what males are supposed to be until Luis brings it up. Because
people who identify as Latino or Hispanic are panethnic and come from such vastly
different cultures, it’s important not to make assumptions about how they identify within
that culture as the way they view themselves is reflective of their ethnic, cultural, social, or
political identity (Delgado-Romero, 2001).How This Will Assist in Future
Practice Having these insights helps inform for future practice. Just because someone
who looks a certain way or dresses a certain way walks into the office for therapy, does not
mean that the culturally biased conclusions I jump to simply by looking at them are
correct. Those assumptions are probably wrong. Learning not to judge people based upon
appearance and culture is important. It’s important to have knowledge of different cultures
so one can be sensitive to the worldview people of that culture have. Being aware that
many Latino males subscribe to the notion of masschismo is important. However, just
because a Hispanic male wakes into the office, one shouldn’t assume that he subscribes to
masschismo or that not subscribing to masschismo is what is causing his issues. It’s
important that a counselor let the client guide them as to whether culture is causing the
issue or if it’s something else, such as depression from having served overseas. Culture
6. should be used as a guide with which to interpret the world through the client’s eyes, not as
something to create problems from which are not there. If a black woman presents with
depression, it may be because of interpersonal issues within the family, and not due to
experiencing systemic racism. However, being aware of the part of systemic racism
inherent in the system is important because it might be the cause. It’s important to let the
client guide the therapist there though and not assume the issue is culturally
related.Conclusion The Virtual Field Experience was very helpful in showing culturally
sensitive approaches to therapy. The discussions as to why Dr. Ford and Dr. Patterson
approached a client a particular way were helpful in learning why it’s so important to be
culturally sensitive. The worldviews of both clients were different from my own and seeing
how to approach a client who is different help me to see where I need improvement in being
more culturally sensitive.ReferencesDelgado-Romero, E. A. (2001). Counseling a
Hispanic/Latino client—Mr. X. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 23(3), 207-221.Malott,
K. M., Havlik, S., Palacios, L. H., & Lewis, C. C. (2014). White Counseling Supervisees’
Experiences Working with Latino Youth: A Phenomenological Study. Multicultural
Perspectives,16(3), 133-140.Nadal, K. L. (2013). That’s So Gay! Microagressions and the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community. American Psychological
Association.Required ResourcesReadings· Hays, P. A. (1995). Multicultural applications of
cognitive-behavior therapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 26(3), 309–
315.Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.· AMCD multicultural counseling
competences. (1996). Retrieved from
http://www.counseling.org/Resources/Competencies/Multcultural_Competencies.pdfMedi
a· Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012i). Virtual Field ExperienceTM:
Affirmative therapy. Baltimore, MD: Author. Note: The approximate length of this media
piece is 42 minutes.Accessible player –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio
Download Transcript · Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012h). Virtual Field
ExperienceTM: Adaptation of CBT. Baltimore, MD: Author. Note: The approximate length of
this media piece is 38 minutes.Accessible player –Downloads– Download Video w/CC
Download Audio Download Transcript
