Self-Reflection Essay on Counselling Session
Seeret Kaur Lonj
James Cook University
2nd June 2019
, Self-Reflection Essay on Counselling Session
Since its inception, multicultural counselling has evolved considerably; despite this, the
concept of multicultural competence is still novel. Within the lives of any counsellor are
underlying biases and prejudices that undeniably affect any interaction with a client (Sumari &
Jalal, 2008). From research, it has become evident that a competent counsellor is aware of not
only their own culture but rather dually aware of their 'client's cultural point of view as well.
Epstein and Hundert (2002) defined competence as the "habitual and judicious use of
communication, knowledge, technical skills, clinical reasoning, emotions, values, and reflection
in daily practice for the benefit of the individual and community being served" (p. 227).
Competence is a dynamic concept that is highlighted by how it is situational and
population-specific (Epstein &, Hundert, 2002). In the Ethical Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Clients: A Focus on Psychologist Competence, competence is similarly seen as an
ongoing intentional process (Lyons, 2010). To be a competent counsellor, an understanding of
other cultures must first be accomplished and integrated as part of a counselling modality that is
both flexible and able to accommodate client concerns in whatever manner they manifest. This
incorporation is crucial in becoming a more culturally aware and sensitive counsellor and is a
component worth integrating into practice.
This essay will reflect on my counselling session that was conducted with a client who
had a different background than mine. The client is a twenty-one-year-old Indian male that
self-identifies as being gay. For this self-reflection essay, I will be reflecting on the various
components of multicultural counselling that were demonstrated during the counselling session
conducted with the client, whose sexual orientation and religious background differed from
mine.
Seeret Kaur Lonj
James Cook University
2nd June 2019
, Self-Reflection Essay on Counselling Session
Since its inception, multicultural counselling has evolved considerably; despite this, the
concept of multicultural competence is still novel. Within the lives of any counsellor are
underlying biases and prejudices that undeniably affect any interaction with a client (Sumari &
Jalal, 2008). From research, it has become evident that a competent counsellor is aware of not
only their own culture but rather dually aware of their 'client's cultural point of view as well.
Epstein and Hundert (2002) defined competence as the "habitual and judicious use of
communication, knowledge, technical skills, clinical reasoning, emotions, values, and reflection
in daily practice for the benefit of the individual and community being served" (p. 227).
Competence is a dynamic concept that is highlighted by how it is situational and
population-specific (Epstein &, Hundert, 2002). In the Ethical Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Clients: A Focus on Psychologist Competence, competence is similarly seen as an
ongoing intentional process (Lyons, 2010). To be a competent counsellor, an understanding of
other cultures must first be accomplished and integrated as part of a counselling modality that is
both flexible and able to accommodate client concerns in whatever manner they manifest. This
incorporation is crucial in becoming a more culturally aware and sensitive counsellor and is a
component worth integrating into practice.
This essay will reflect on my counselling session that was conducted with a client who
had a different background than mine. The client is a twenty-one-year-old Indian male that
self-identifies as being gay. For this self-reflection essay, I will be reflecting on the various
components of multicultural counselling that were demonstrated during the counselling session
conducted with the client, whose sexual orientation and religious background differed from
mine.
