Various treatment practices and approaches

Multiculturalism

The utterance of multiculturalism generally refers to an applied ideology of racial, cultural and ethnic diversity within the demographics of a specified place, usually at the scale of an organization such as a school, business, neighborhood, city or nation. (Britannica, 2008). Multiculturalism should embody different ethnic clusters living separately but equally together, while sharing in an enhanced capacity to build up the community, as a diverse single unit. However, the word multiculturalism is often viewed or associated with extremist or immigration issues. According to one article on multiculturalism, the vision of multiculturalism is about creating group solidarity, not social disconnection from society. (Anthony Giddens, 2008). A sense of meaning and belonging are powerful agents when it comes to self-orientation or identity. The importance of identity has been nurtured by state policies over the last two decades, which privilege the importance of different cultural identities. (Munira Mirza, 2005)

Bridging the Gap

Culture is a cluster's method of existence. It embodies visible and unseen, cognitive and emotional, aware and unaware, as well as many other aspects. (C. E. Vontress, 2002). Cultural differences have existed amongst different ethnic groups for many generations throughout history. Bridging this gap is an issue that has received enormous focus over the last decade. Applying sensitivity toward the significant characteristics of cultural variables that connect diverse groups is important. When interacting with clients it is critical to have an understanding and knowledge about the cultural diversity that exists. This may include belief systems, religious ideologies, language differences, as well as other cultural norms, different from one's own cultural norms. (J. Axelson, 2008) Ethnicity influences the counseling rapport, findings, healing plan, follow-up, and payment. (C. E. Vontress, 2002).

Multicultural Counseling

According to research, approximately 29 different subgroups exist in the Asian-American community, differing in verbal communications, faith, and value systems. Within those groups are sub-groups culturally different from the larger group. (Sue and Sue, 1990). In the cultural value system of Asian-Americans, submissiveness is revered, silence is a symbol of wisdom, and conformity is a fashion of refinement. Since humility and modesty are so valued, it is difficult for counselors to draw out a response from an Asian-American in a group setting. (Ching and Prosen, 1980). Private settings for treatment would be more conducive to the cultural value structure of Asian-Americans.

Some of the typical stereotypes about Asian-Americans all being financially and socially successful, in addition to being intelligent, are inaccurate. As with any cultural group there is a degree of success as well as failure. There are those who are gifted and those who are average. Cultural conflicts exist in the Asian-American community because of identity problems, thus forcing another culture's value system and methods of healing on to Asian-American clients may send a patient into withdrawal. The English language of communication is another barrier within the Asian-American community. (Sue and Sue, 1990).