What is globalization as it pertains to counseling? Briefly explain the implications of globalization for the counseling profession.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Globalization refers to the idea that the world is becoming increasingly smaller because people of the world experience greater connectedness, particularly through social media, than ever before, and immigrants with different cultural backgrounds are arriving in the United States often need mental health services. Traumatic events in different parts of the world now resonate and impact the rest of the world more than ever before, and counselors are often called upon to help address mental health concerns. The implications of this connectedness for the counseling profession include a greater challenge to the counselors to provide mental health services, directly and indirectly; the need for the counseling profession to train and promote international counseling competency; and an imperative to address cultural specific issues related to individuals’ international identity. Whether the work is in the United States or abroad, counselors’ ability to serve people with international backgrounds will be expected and tested. Due to globalization, the counseling profession is faced with expanded role beyond the United to assist, interact, and learn from international colleagues that are trying to develop counseling professions in their countries and communities and to promote the role of social justice, advocacy and acceptance of cultural plurality. The prevailing expectation is that professional counseling in the 21st century has to meet the needs of culturally diverse individuals, groups, and communities.