Cultural Competence in Effective Helping

Running head: COUNSELLING IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
Cultural competence in effective helping
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1COUNSELLING IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
Counselling refers to the profession that encompasses psychosocial counselling of
several groups or individuals, with the primary objective of problem solving or bringing
about change processes, within a relatively short time period. The profession of counselling
generally relies on the implementation of cognitive and emotional intervention methods,
which are used with the intended purpose of promoting the ability of the service users to
enhance their capabilities of self-control and self-help (Ivey & Daniels, 2016). In other
words, counsellors have the role of working with discussion and intervention techniques,
which in turn are partially comparable to the psychotherapists. The general norms state that
the depth of counselling intervention is lower and a holistic approach is implemented to
accomplish the intended goals or vision. It has its foundations in psychotherapy where
psychological methods are employed for personal interaction, with the aim of changing the
behaviour of a person. Thus, application of counselling in the professional context aims to
enhance the overall health and wellbeing of an individual, in addition to resolving or
mitigating troublesome beliefs, behaviour, thoughts, compulsions and emotions (Nelson-
Jones, 2015). This in turn improves the interpersonal relationships and also enhances social
skills. This essay will illustrate the role of an effective helper and will also discuss the
necessary attributes of cultural competence that an effective helper must demonstrate, while
working with diverse clients.
Effective helpers- Helpers refer to people who play an important role in contributing
to the fulfilment of distressed people, who are in need. The goal of these helpers is to bring
about a facilitation in the life of the people who require assistance. Effective helpers are
expected to provide a decent and enhanced quality of life for those who cannot afford a
holistic living, without their help. Large differences exist between the roles and
responsibilities of a professional counsellor and an individual, who makes utilisation of
specific counselling skills (Johnson & Johnson, 2013). The term professional counsellor

2COUNSELLING IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
refers to highly trained individuals, who generally make use of a range of varied counselling
approaches, while treating their clients. Thus, an effective helper provides assistance to the
service user to explore difficulties that generally includes stressful emotional feelings.
Effective helpers also have the responsibility of helping all clients to see and perceive things
in a clearer manner, with the use of a different perception of point of view (Corey, 2015). In
other words, effective helpers refer to person who use different aspects of psychotherapy for
enabling the client to focus on their experiences, feelings, or behaviour, with the goal of
facilitating a positive change. Thus, effective helpers are integral in counselling services
owing to their role in establishing a relationship of trust with the clients. Maintaining
confidentiality is paramount to their role.
Role of effective helpers- The role of effective helpers is not just restricted to giving
advice to clients. People who take up the role of effective helpers provide valuable service to
people who suffer from disturbed emotions and thoughts. Although the act of helping can be
rewarding most of the time, it can also create stress for the helper. An effective helper is one
who strives to successfully achieve a balance between intrapersonal and interpersonal skills,
with technical competence. The role of an effective helper encompasses the process of
arranging a quiet, safe and private helping environment for the clients (McLeod, 2013).
People seeking counselling services often have to adjust to their surroundings and might not
feel the need to talk to others. They fail to maintain openness in their conversation and also
display hostile and resentful attitudes, on aggravation of their emotional distress (Okun &
Kantrowitz, 2014). Thus, effective helpers create a comfortable environmental atmosphere
that helps them to engage in an effective conversation with the clients. These helpers also
build a relationship, based on trust with their clients. Helpers are not generally trusted and
often have to deal with service users who talk about their problems in a superficial manner

3COUNSELLING IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
(Biasi et al., 2017). Over time, the helpers utilise their communication and empathetic skills
to establish a rapport.
The helpers are also entrusted with the responsibility of listening effectively to the
emotional stress, uncontrollable fear, constant worry and pain that the clients are suffering
from. The most useful role of an effective helper is to encourage expressions of feelings, by
demonstrating skills of an active listener (Min et al., 2013). Probing for information to
understand the underlying factors that contribute to the emotional distress of the service users
and providing necessary support and comfort are integral to the duty of a helper. Their duty
also encompasses developing an appropriate plan of action for the individuals who are
seeking counselling service.
Cultural competence- Cultural competence involves the process of understanding and
appropriately responding to several combinations of cultural variables, and dimensions that
pertain to diversity. Cultural competence is usually employed by professionals for fostering
an effective interaction with the clients or patients, and their families. In other words, cultural
diversity incorporates a variety of factors, which include, but are not restricted to disability,
age, gender identity, ethnicity, gender expression, national origin, and race. Cultural diversity
also encompasses linguistic backgrounds, dialect, immigration status, religions, sexual
orientation and veteran status. Development of a cultural competence most commonly
involves a complex and dynamic process that requires continuous expansion and self-
assessment of the cultural knowledge gained by an individual (Betancourt et al., 2016).
Cultural competency most commonly evolves over time, and begins with an understanding of
the own culture. This generally continues through interactions between individuals belonging
to a range of cultures, and extends through the lifelong learning process.