Process Experience Reflection
Engaging with the assigned readings and videos from Sue et al. (2022) and Singh (2019)
helped me think deeply about multicultural counseling and the role of culture and
spirituality in healing. This experience made me reflect on my thoughts, behaviors, and
emotions toward diversity and the counseling process.
Cognitively, the readings expanded how I understand what “healing” means. In Chapter
10, Sue et al. (2022) explained that many Indigenous and cultural healing practices focus
on balance between mind, body, spirit, and community. I realized that Western
counseling often focuses too much on the individual and not enough on relationships or
community well-being. This helped me see that therapy can include spiritual or cultural
traditions that strengthen identity and belonging. Chapter 11 on culturally competent
assessment also made me aware of how traditional assessment tools can be biased. These
tests often reflect Western cultural values and may not always be fair or accurate for
clients from other backgrounds. I learned that being a culturally competent counselor
means using multiple sources of information and understanding each client’s cultural
context before making conclusions.
Singh’s (2019) chapter, “Catch Yourself in the Flow of Racism,” added another layer of
reflection. It reminded me that racism can exist in very subtle ways, even in counseling
relationships. I thought about times when I may have made quick assumptions about
others without realizing how culture shaped my perceptions. This made me more aware
of my own biases and the importance of slowing down, listening, and being self-aware.
Behaviorally, the readings and videos encouraged me to act differently in future sessions.
In the video with Ananya and Rieko, I saw how the counselor learned to respect the
client’s spiritual beliefs and avoided forcing a Western view of therapy. I admired her
ability to sit with discomfort and allow the client’s cultural worldview to lead the session.
Watching this made me want to practice active listening and show openness to learning
from clients’ cultural and spiritual practices. I also plan to seek feedback and supervision
when working with clients from backgrounds different from my own, as seen in the
culturally competent assessment video.
Affectively and spiritually, this learning process was powerful. I felt sadness realizing
how Western psychology has often ignored or disrespected non-Western healing
methods. At the same time, I felt inspired to contribute to a counseling field that values
diversity and equity. Spiritually, the Indigenous concept of balance connected with my
own belief that healing involves connection with others and with something greater than
ourselves. It reminded me that counseling is not only about fixing problems but also
about helping clients find meaning and harmony in their lives.
Overall, this experience helped me think, feel, and act with more cultural awareness. I
learned that cultural competence is not something to master once, but an ongoing journey
of learning, reflection, and humility. As I grow in my counseling practice, I will continue
to integrate these lessons and remain open to the wisdom found in diverse healing
traditions.