Question

Why is it important for counselors to understand their biases when it comes to racial and cultural differences? please include reference

Answer 1

• Counselors meet clients from diverse cultural backgrounds,so in order to understand these cultural differences,the counselor themselves need to be aware of their own biases which might have been formed due to lack of knowledge or false information.
• If a counselor is not going to be aware of their own biases about various cultures,then their judgments would over ride the client's feelings,and they would not be able to understand the client's perspective.
• Counselors need to acknowledge their own cultural heritage and the effects of oppression,racism,discrimination etc. and seek learning opportunities to improve their cultural competence.
• Being aware of one's own biases is important as it would help counselors understand the fact that the client's world view is going to be different from them.Being aware of one's own emotional reactions towards other racial and cultural groups,would help them develop empathy which is essential skill in counseling and also develop and use culturally appropriate interventions for the client.