Cultural Heritage and Influence on Counselling Process - Essay Example

Culture refers to the inherited beliefs, values, ideas, and language, and shared norms of a ground of people (Lago 2006). It includes the artistic manifestations and behavioral patterns such as arts, festivals, language, food, customs, and rituals that are common for a group of people. Rituals and symbols include the physical aspects of culture such as habits, clothes, food, or behavior that are observable (Lago 2006). Some of the observable behavior includes the reaction to a visitor. Shared values and norms are the deeply rooted feelings of how things should be done.

Language is the mode of communication (Lago 2006). Some cultures emphasize the use of gestures and body movements during communication. For instance, some cultures use a firm handshake as a sign of agreement or appreciation. Culture determines the quality of the client and therapist relationship and how the patient reacts to emotional support. According to Carroll (2001), “the essence of culture is not what is visible on the surface, it is the shared ways groups of people understand and interpret the world p 93”Different societies have different cultures.

Cultural differences are manifested by social norms and ethical values (Carroll 2001). Cultural differences are also influenced by the dominant religious beliefs in society. One of the main cultures in Western culture is mainly dominated by Christianity. Western culture is more willing to express emotions than Asian culture. Western culture is based on the values of civil rights, rule of law, and equality. Western culture values equal rights for all individuals regardless of age, gender, sexuality, gender, disability, and religion.

A firm handshake and informal communications characterize the Western culture (Lago 2006). Arab culture mainly uses the Arabic language for communication and the dominant religion is Islam.