There is no direct solution for these problems due to the fact that every interracial couple and family deal with their problems differently, which means they are more likely to find each solution that works for them. Not all solutions can work for all of us however, that does not mean that the possible solutions I provided in this section would not be accomplished.
First, the counselors should establish as many possible goals as necessary for their clients to pursue. Establishing goals help a client see what he/she can do, and is a confidence boost for them to chase higher and more difficult goals. Since not every goal can be accomplished in a short period of time, they must be willing to explain to their clients that these goals require patience and motivation in order for every goal agreed by both the counselor and the clients to accomplish. For example, if an interracial couple’s goal is to re-establish connections with each other after separation, the counselor should list specific goals only in relation to reconnect the couple. By establishing the goals during the counseling session, it can be helpful for interracial couples because goals could help both the counselor and the interracial couples understand what should be done to improve the relationships when it is with each other or professionally with the counselor. Counselors can set the tone by discussing about it during the session, and then they can monitor the process of their clients during the goal-orientated period and make any possible revisions when necessary. Another possible solution that counselors should be looking at is how interracial couples and families cope with stress. Stress in any type of relationship is not healthy as it can lead to farther unexpected problems down the road. Every couple and family copes with stress differently. Bustamante et al (2011) mentions that some researchers only focus on culture-related difficulties of interracial relationships, they have tried to understand how they use coping stress to deal with their issues and establish a long and satisfying relationships. (Bustamante, et al, 2011). If counselors can develop their awareness with how others view interracial couples and families, as well as having proper skills to meet every interracial couple and family’s needs, then they can assist them to cope with different kinds of stress when they need any assistance from counselors. Bustamante (2011) also explains the importance of counselor’s awareness of cultural influences “by recognizing and better understanding the influence of culture on counselors and their clients, counselors might enhance their ability to provide counseling services to intercultural couples in an effective manner. (Bustamante, et al, 2011, p. 156). In order for counselors to successfully assist their clients, it is imperative for them to research and listen to every …show more content…
Harris (2013) mentions that “Culturally skilled counselors and other mental health professionals are encouraged to become aware of potential changes in their perceptions of multiracial persons if they are from single-parent families.” (Harris, 2013, p. 390). Counselors are also encouraged to continue their awareness and do self-examination on them if necessary. Developing their awareness of single-parent families enables them to increase their effort to work with diverse clients. Kristen Harris (2013) mentions that in order for counselors to understand the problem single mothers have with society, they must understand the support systems they have from family dynamics and others. (Harris, 2013). Counselors should treat interracial single families just like they would with any other clients because the issue they are dealing with is the problem, not a skin …show more content…
Kays & Yarbouse (2010) points out that an open and honest communication is very important for all parties involved. For couples to accept each other, it requires both people involved to be “open, empathetic, and accepting of one another.” (Kays & Yarbouse, 2010, p. 338). The same thing goes for the counselors. It is counselors’ responsibility to maintain communication with the clients. Communication opens up everything between the clients and counselors with the possibly of understandings coming out from both sides, especially with cultural beliefs. It should also be clients’ responsibility to keep counselors updated about their situations, whether it is about cultural beliefs or any issues that are bothering them. Both parties should communicate with each other because communication can be the key to successful
First, the counselors should establish as many possible goals as necessary for their clients to pursue. Establishing goals help a client see what he/she can do, and is a confidence boost for them to chase higher and more difficult goals. Since not every goal can be accomplished in a short period of time, they must be willing to explain to their clients that these goals require patience and motivation in order for every goal agreed by both the counselor and the clients to accomplish. For example, if an interracial couple’s goal is to re-establish connections with each other after separation, the counselor should list specific goals only in relation to reconnect the couple. By establishing the goals during the counseling session, it can be helpful for interracial couples because goals could help both the counselor and the interracial couples understand what should be done to improve the relationships when it is with each other or professionally with the counselor. Counselors can set the tone by discussing about it during the session, and then they can monitor the process of their clients during the goal-orientated period and make any possible revisions when necessary. Another possible solution that counselors should be looking at is how interracial couples and families cope with stress. Stress in any type of relationship is not healthy as it can lead to farther unexpected problems down the road. Every couple and family copes with stress differently. Bustamante et al (2011) mentions that some researchers only focus on culture-related difficulties of interracial relationships, they have tried to understand how they use coping stress to deal with their issues and establish a long and satisfying relationships. (Bustamante, et al, 2011). If counselors can develop their awareness with how others view interracial couples and families, as well as having proper skills to meet every interracial couple and family’s needs, then they can assist them to cope with different kinds of stress when they need any assistance from counselors. Bustamante (2011) also explains the importance of counselor’s awareness of cultural influences “by recognizing and better understanding the influence of culture on counselors and their clients, counselors might enhance their ability to provide counseling services to intercultural couples in an effective manner. (Bustamante, et al, 2011, p. 156). In order for counselors to successfully assist their clients, it is imperative for them to research and listen to every …show more content…
Harris (2013) mentions that “Culturally skilled counselors and other mental health professionals are encouraged to become aware of potential changes in their perceptions of multiracial persons if they are from single-parent families.” (Harris, 2013, p. 390). Counselors are also encouraged to continue their awareness and do self-examination on them if necessary. Developing their awareness of single-parent families enables them to increase their effort to work with diverse clients. Kristen Harris (2013) mentions that in order for counselors to understand the problem single mothers have with society, they must understand the support systems they have from family dynamics and others. (Harris, 2013). Counselors should treat interracial single families just like they would with any other clients because the issue they are dealing with is the problem, not a skin …show more content…
Kays & Yarbouse (2010) points out that an open and honest communication is very important for all parties involved. For couples to accept each other, it requires both people involved to be “open, empathetic, and accepting of one another.” (Kays & Yarbouse, 2010, p. 338). The same thing goes for the counselors. It is counselors’ responsibility to maintain communication with the clients. Communication opens up everything between the clients and counselors with the possibly of understandings coming out from both sides, especially with cultural beliefs. It should also be clients’ responsibility to keep counselors updated about their situations, whether it is about cultural beliefs or any issues that are bothering them. Both parties should communicate with each other because communication can be the key to successful