We do not all live the same way. Neither are we raised the same or believe the same or should strive to be the same! The rich cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the world gives society a depth and beauty that would be missing if we were all the same.
Embracing your culture and ethnic heritage is a wonderful way to live, but it does come with its hardships. Sometimes, cultures clash and histories of prejudice and discrimination work to stack the odds against people. It can feel like there is no one in your corner who understands you in the way you should be understood.
Thriveworks Woodstock is fighting to change that. Our counselors have experience in cultural difference counseling and believe it is important to embrace and work someone’s culture into a counseling session. If you feel isolated because of your ethnicity, race, religion, or sexual orientation, and are struggling to find a counselor who understands, know that you aren’t alone. There are counselors who will fight for you and walk with you as you travel through the storms life can bring.
What Is Cultural Differences Counseling?
It is the same as regular counseling, but with an acknowledgement and acceptance that we all process information and emotions differently. Cultural differences matter hugely in how we give and receive information, communicate, and even in the individual problems we face. It wouldn’t just be silly to ignore the cultural background of someone, it would be doing a disservice to who they are.
Educating ourselves on different backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs is a step we as Woodstock counselors can take to bridge the gap between cultural backgrounds and seek to provide the best mental and behavioral health care. There is so much that goes into making the wonderful individual you are, and no part of you should be brushed aside or ignored.
A cultural differences counseling session will take extra care to pay attention to:
- Personal priorities
- Ways of communication (open ended questions, eye contact, etc.)
- Family structure
- Religious or spiritual beliefs
- Trauma or stress that stems from clashing backgrounds and ways of life
- Anything else that is important to you!
Thriveworks Woodstock is always a client-focused practice. That means we strive to keep you at the center of every session. Many of our counselors might have first-hand experience in what you are dealing with. And even if we don’t, we can be nonjudgmental, empathetic, and work towards incorporating your culture into our counseling session.
Is Counseling for Minorities for Me?
Cultural Differences Counseling is for anyone who wants a counselor who understands where they are coming from and the importance their culture plays in their life.
Anything can be addressed in a Thriveworks Woodstock session. Our counselors are here for you no matter what you are facing. There is never a problem too big or too small for counseling! If you have any questions about what we offer, give us a call. We are happy to walk you through the decision-making process and find the best next steps.
As a few examples, we offer counseling for:
- Depression/anxiety
- Family counseling
- “Minority stress” (issues you might face because of your religion, sexual orientation, or race/ethnicity)
- Career Counseling
- Addiction
- Couples counseling
- Trauma
- Stress counseling
These are just a few of the examples of what we can offer. Our Thriveworks Woodstock counselors understand that this life comes with many bumps in the road. When that happens, you don’t have to struggle in silence. Thriveworks Woodstock is fighting in your corner. We are excited to meet you and begin to heal and grow today.
