The counseling interview is a complex interaction, the success of which depends upon expert communication. In developing a therapeutic relationship, the skilled counselor may utilize a myriad of skills and techniques to maximize the effectiveness of his/her communication with the client. One must be aware, however, of the fact that the same skills may have different effects on people with different individual and cultural backgrounds.
In this presentation, we will review the listening sequence, rapport, structuring, confrontation, and influencing skills with special emphasis on their effective use with diverse individuals. We will explore the world view of members of ethnically diverse groups and provide, wherever possible, recommendations for culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions. We will also examine ways in which to obtain relevant information from the client about his or her cultural heritage. Finally, we will consider the influence of assimilation upon diversity issues in the therapeutic relationship.
Participants will be invited to take part in role plays to demonstrate effective and ineffective ways of handling diversity issues in therapy. The therapeutic interview will be discussed using Allen Ivey's microskills system. This approach not only promotes the development of the ability to interact more intentionally with a client; but it also provides specific alternatives for use with different types of clients.