Introduction
This essay explores the impact of diversity on my development and application of counselling skills during skills practice as part of my Level 3 Counselling studies. Diversity, encompassing differences in culture, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background, plays a critical role in shaping therapeutic interactions. In this account, I will reflect on how encountering diversity has influenced my approach to core counselling skills such as active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental attitudes. Additionally, I will provide specific examples of challenges faced due to issues of difference and discuss how these experiences have informed my ongoing learning. By drawing on relevant literature, I aim to contextualise my personal reflections within broader academic discourse on diversity in counselling.
Understanding Diversity in Counselling Practice
Diversity is a fundamental consideration in counselling, as it shapes both the client’s lived experiences and the counsellor’s responses. As Lago (2011) notes, counsellors must develop cultural competence to effectively support clients from varied backgrounds. During my skills practice, I have become increasingly aware of how my own cultural assumptions could influence my interactions. For instance, in a role-play session with a peer acting as a client from a different cultural background, I initially struggled to interpret non-verbal cues, such as limited eye contact, which I associated with disengagement. However, upon reflection and feedback, I learned that this behaviour was culturally rooted and not indicative of reluctance to engage. This experience highlighted the importance of suspending preconceptions and aligning with the client’s frame of reference, a core principle of person-centered therapy (Rogers, 1951).
Challenges of Difference and Adaptation of Skills
Issues of diversity have occasionally presented challenges in my skills practice, particularly around language and socio-economic differences. In one instance, I worked with a peer simulating a client whose first language was not English. I noticed that my usual pace of speech and use of idiomatic expressions created barriers to understanding. This prompted me to adapt my communication style by speaking more slowly, using simpler language, and checking for mutual understanding frequently. While this adjustment was effective, it initially felt unnatural and disrupted the flow of the session, underscoring the need for ongoing practice in flexible communication.
Another encounter with diversity arose around socio-economic differences. During a skills session, a peer portrayed a client experiencing financial hardship, a situation far removed from my own experiences. I found it challenging to fully empathise without projecting pity, which risked undermining the therapeutic alliance. Drawing on guidance from Sue and Sue (2016), I focused on validating the client’s feelings without imposing my assumptions, thereby fostering a non-judgmental space. This experience reinforced the value of self-awareness in managing personal biases, a skill I continue to develop through reflective practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diversity has profoundly shaped my use of counselling skills, highlighting the necessity of cultural competence, adaptability, and self-awareness. Encounters with difference, whether cultural or socio-economic, have occasionally posed challenges but have also provided invaluable learning opportunities. Reflecting on these experiences, I recognise the importance of ongoing education and supervision to address personal biases and enhance my practice. Ultimately, embracing diversity not only enriches my skills repertoire but also prepares me to offer inclusive and effective support to clients from all backgrounds. Moving forward, I intend to engage with further training on cultural sensitivity to ensure my practice aligns with ethical standards and client needs.
References
- Lago, C. (2011) The Handbook of Transcultural Counselling and Psychotherapy. Open University Press.
- Rogers, C. R. (1951) Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications, and Theory. Constable.
- Sue, D. W., and Sue, D. (2016) Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice. 7th ed. Wiley.
