Therapeutic Counseling and the Importance of Cultural Safety in Nursing

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of student:
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1NURSING
Therapeutic counseling, usually carried out over one to three session, aims to establish,
on a provisional manner, the concern of the patient that needs assistance of the therapist. Such
sessions are followed by setting up of principles and goals of a potential therapy that can enhance
the chances of suitable patient outcomes. The focus of therapeutic counseling is on establishing
an effective relationship with the client that can promote delivery of instructions (Kornhaber et
al. 2016).
In my opinion, cultural safety and the acceptance of diversity requires effective
relationship established through mutual respect, clear communication and suitable understanding
of expectations. As a professional, I believe in establishing an environment that is in support of
the cultural preferences of the clients. My own culture has helped in molding the individual I am
since a positive influence has been imposed on my outlook towards cultural sensitivity. I locate
myself within the marginalized group in the society. This construction of me has a deep impact
on my practice. Being faced with discrimination and prejudice, I realize that healthcare
professionals must eliminate all forms of discrimination and prejudice while counseling patients
from diverse backgrounds.
The therapeutic use of self refers to the healthcare provider’s utilization of varied verbal
and nonverbal communication, modes of emotional exchange and different aspects of his
personality, for establishing an effective relationship with the client for promotion of healing and
recovery. One can know that the same has been acquired when the therapist puts in conscious
efforts for optimizing the interactions with clients. Therapeutic use of self can be improved by
planning and critically analyzing insights, perceptions and judgments of the individual that can
guide the comprehensive therapeutic process (Koloroutis 2014).