Smart Counsel

Need a break from the Corona Virus? Let’s talk about culture and diversity! The counseling relationship is marked by a stark power differential that is only made starker by differences in race, class, gender, education, sexual orientation, physical ability, and many other factors. How do we consider the power differential and work for what is best for the other person, while neither dismissing their problems, nor perpetuating systemic oppression? What are the cultures to consider, and who are the vulnerable people? Aaron Kelsay shares his experience of providing addiction counseling services to clients of diverse racial and class backgrounds. We consider how to consider the impact of our Whiteness and discuss striving for a mindset of cultural humility versus trying to master cultural competency skills. Along the way, we question established treatment structures, such as the 12-Steps, that came from privilege and tend to support privilege. We advise against use of jargon without first spending time in relatio