Counselors are challenged to interview clients who are culturally different. Discuss interviewing techniques for the following: family relationships; probing questions; eye contact; and life roles

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

1 . Family relationships are formed in unique cultural environments. In collectivist societies, family members are focused on the welfare of the family and, most importantly, the approval of the family for relevant decisions such as choosing a career. Thus, the family is deeply involved in the career choice process and should be invited to participate in potential job commitments.
2 . Counselors often use probing questions to learn more about their clients. However, in some cultures, especially Asian cultures, probing questions may be viewed as very intrusive and insulting. In these cases, the counselor must carefully select appropriate phrases for questioning.
3 . Eye contact is also a culturally related factor that must be addressed in the interview. Not all clients believe that looking someone in the eye while answering questions is appropriate. Some female clients may be especially offended by eye contact, which has different meanings in different cultures. Counselors should not judge the lack of eye contact as being shy or uninterested.
4 . Life roles are also unique to cultural socialization. Females, for example, are to be subservient in some societies. Career could be, at best, a vague term; one could be conditioned to view oneself as only a homemaker. These traditional roles can change rapidly in a new and different society.