Many traditional counseling theories were developed within a Western cultural framework, focusing on individual pathology without consideration of systemic, cultural, or societal influences. When applied to members of minoritized groups, these theories can inadvertently lead to blaming clients for issues rooted in oppression or discrimination, rather than addressing the broader context. Culturally competent counseling emphasizes the need to consider environmental and cultural factors.
[Reference: Helwig, A. A. (2020). CPCE Study Guide and Review; Sue, D. W. & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the Culturally Diverse., ]
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