Watch the video Issues in Counseling Women - Assignment Example

Watch the video issues in counseling women Watch the video issues in counseling women The therapist assumes that Norma had been doing something differently, which led to the change in Bill’s attitude. In this situation, Norma needs reassurance that she can go to graduate school and Bill’s reaction is not a result of her wrong doing. The therapist also notifies Norma about marriages that break up when the woman goes to graduate school. However, there are many successful marriages with women who are well educated and the failure in the marriages cannot be solely attributed to the woman returning to school.

The therapist also told Norma to rethink her idea of going to graduate school as it may be a result of some family problems. The approach taken by the therapist made Norma doubt her idea, and by the end of the tape she was uncertain whether she wants to go to graduate school. 2) Mary is more supportive. Norma in this interview appears more relaxed. Norma is also more expressive. Mary is also appears more understanding than in the first example. Mary relates with Norma better. The second example also shows the therapist steering Norma towards her goal.

In the first example, the male therapist was less encouraging towards Norma returning to graduate school. Another distinction is that Norma was left doubting herself with each question given by the first therapist. The first therapist was focused on the negative attributes of Norma returning to graduate school rather than finding ways for her to achieve this goal. At the end of the first example Norma was left with even more doubts than she had in the beginning.3) Mary was a more encouraging therapist from the beginning of the interview as illustrated by her approach to talk about Norma and her strengths first.

Mary assesses the situation from a broader perspective and was in fact able to attain information about Norma’s abilities and indicate the support that exists for her pursuit. Mary is also able to determine Norma’s concerns better and helps her find a way to show her husband the positive attributes of going back to graduate school. As mentioned above, many women are educated including the counselor who has a similar history, and was able to offer a potential solution. 4) When counseling women from a minority ethnic background there are many factors that need consideration.

Firstly, the therapist needs to understand the double stigma that exists of being a racial minority and woman. There is also a need for the therapist to understand cultural differences if he or she is from a different race. The advice that the therapist gives black women should coincide with the social barriers that exist both in terms of race and gender roles. In addition, therapist should also be aware of the extent of influence that class has on African American women. The above mentioned factors should be utilized as the starting points for intervention as well as understanding the cause of some problems among black women.5) All therapists including males should have knowledge on the concepts of Feminist therapy.

The male therapist was able to learn the impact of his responses, as well as how they are perceived from a female viewpoint. For example, in the session with Norma Allen did not take the case from the viewpoint of a professional but rather based his judgment on feelings. The therapist was able to learn how his approach made the female client feel as if she was not receiving the appropriate interventions simply because she was a woman. Hence, he will be able to use this information to relate to female clients and take a better approach.

ReferencesBradford M., & Gluckstern, N. B. (2005). Issues In Counseling Women. Alexandria, VA:Microtraining Associates Video.