Question
Systems and Multicultural Approaches Paper
Read the four case studies in the University of Phoenix Material: Systems and Multicultural Case Studies.
Write a paper that integrates all four case studies. Address the following in your paper:
Define systems theory.
Define multicultural approaches
Compare each case study by doing the following:
Identify the approaches?systems, multicultural, or a combination of both?you would use for each case study.
Describe why one approach would work for one case and not for other cases.
Explain the value of systems and multicultural theories.
Sample paper
Systems and Multicultural Approaches Paper
Define systems theory
Systems psychology is a technique that makes use of complex systems to explore behavior patterns in individuals. This technique can work for organizations, communities, families or couples. The main objective of the systems theory it to help groups gain a deep understanding into the roles of each member since it determines the functionality of the entire group. Through this type of therapy, specific behavior patterns are identified along with how individual members of a group respond to anxiety (Dallos, 1991). Therefore, individuals are able to understand and change their patterns to more productive and adaptive behaviors.
Define multicultural approaches
Multicultural approaches in therapy involve culture, religion, race and color. The multicultural therapeutic procedure emphasizes on finding the best ways to help a client who may be having multicultural issues. Although many people do not know it, culture plays a huge role in therapy. The likelihood of an individual with a problem seeking help form a psychologist is significantly affected by their culture (Paniagua, 2013).
The culture of both the client and the therapist are equally important in a psychotherapeutic relationship. The therapist needs to make a point to understand the clients’ cultural differences considering different therapeutic approaches can be applied within different culture. In some cases, therapists are forced to take multicultural training in order to be able to work effectively with individuals from diverse background (Fukuyama, 1990). Once the therapist is able to identify clients’ cultural differences, they can be able to build a good relationship. This can be cultivated through the therapist’s readiness to learn more about the client’s culture, their beliefs, system of doing things and showing respect for their view of the world.
Explain the value of systems and multicultural theories
The systems and multicultural approaches vary in their techniques hence may not be effective on the same level depending on the needs of a particular client. Depending on the client, both approaches may be effective or one of them. In the first scenario involving Juan. Multicultural approach would be best to help him. He is a 78-year old man who lost his wife and all his children although alive, live far from him hence leaving him lonely. It is obvious that Juan is good at landscaping since he helped to design parks for five cities. However, due to changing culture, he is unable to find a job because people feel that he is not up to speed with the latest trends. His experience is overlooked just because he is old and has been out of the job for a while. Juan has been forced to turn to prostitution as his last resort because nobody will hire him. However, due to cultural beliefs and expectations, the same people will judge him because it is considered highly immoral for a man of his age to be involved in such things.
Related: Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Treatment Timeline
In the case of David, a multicultural approach would suit his scenario considering he is facing cultural discrimination due to his sexuality. David is worried about people’s reaction when they find out he is gay. His ex-boyfriend is well aware of the gay stereotype in society which explains why he uses that against David so that he can continue their relationship. David needs to learn how to accept himself first before expecting other people to accept him. The systems theory can also help David with his situation with Jason. This technique will help David understand that Jason’s behavior is only a reaction to the anxiety of a break-up. With this understanding, David can help Jason see that staying in a relationship due to a threat and not out of love is not what any of them would want.
Layla’s concerns are all brought about by her cultural beliefs which include her religion. Therefore, the multicultural approach would benefit her the most. She is jail for theft and fears that her religion may make her a target for other prisoners who do not share her faith and cultural beliefs. Layla is also worried that she may not be able to uphold her religion in jail such as observing certain dietary restrictions and also praying. She needs to find somebody who understands her cultural differences and learn how they cope even under the harsh conditions found in jail. Interacting with others even those of different cultures will also help her overcome her fears since she will not feel so different and others will not see her that way either.
The last scenario is of Jasmine who is a victim of physical and sexual abuse form a very early age. For her case, the systems approach would work best since her despise for men is only caused form the trauma she was put through by one man. Considering she is 32 years old now, she probably failed to get help early and lived with that trauma all her life. As a result, her hatred and disgust for men built up. She needs to understand that just because one man hurt her does not mean all men are evil. It is only through this that she can let go of her anger and have a chance of ever having health and real relationships in the future.
References
Dallos, R. (1991). Family belief systems, therapy and change: A constructional approach. Open University Press.
Fukuyama, M. A. (1990). Taking a universal approach to multicultural counseling. Counselor education and supervision, 6-17.
Paniagua, F. A. (2013). Handbook of multicultural mental health: Assessment and treatment of diverse populations. Academic Press.
Related: Cognitive Theory: Behavior Plan
