Diversity and Family Counseling

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Univesity of Nairobi *

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Sociology

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Case Study: The Chens Katie Teel CNDV 5381 Dr. Lim September 8, 2023

2 Case Study: The Chens Diversity is critical for any functioning society. However, it also presents unique challenges, especially for families with different backgrounds and raising children in another culture. The case study of the Chens (pg. 116) highlights the complex dynamics of a first- generation Asian American family facing a significant crossroads in their family life cycle. Wen and Mei Chen, parents of their only son, Park, grapple with deeply rooted cultural expectations and generational differences as they confront Park’s decision to major in biology and pursue a career in horticulture. This path diverges sharply from their aspirations for him in the fields of business or medicine. As Park asserts his American identity and independence, tensions rise, and the family seeks guidance to navigate the delicate balance between honoring cultural heritage and respecting individual autonomy. Family Life Cycle The family life cycle describes the emotional and intellectual stages that families go through. Each stage in the cycle presents unique challenges and opportunities. In the case of the Chen family, it appears that they are currently navigating the “Families with Adolescents” stage within the family life cycle. This stage is characterized by parents dealing with the challenges of raising teenagers and helping them transition into adulthood. In this context, Park, their only son, is a college sophomore, which typically falls within the age range of late adolescence to early adulthood. His pursuit of a biology major against his parent’s wishes and the ensuing conflict regarding his career choice suggests that the family is contending with the unique dynamics and tensions often associated with this life cycle stage. These differences are causing stress to parents, with the most obvious sign being the differences and the failure of parents to distinguish between what they want for themselves and what their son, Park, wants for himself. In this stage,

3 parents are adamant about letting their youngsters make decisions for themselves, even if the decisions are reasonable. Additional information would be essential to gain a more comprehensive understanding of where the Chen family stands within this life cycle stage. Firstly, it would be beneficial to know more about the family’s history and past experiences, especially any previous instances of conflict or significant family events. Additionally, understanding Park’s personal development and goals, such as his level of independence, career aspirations, and future plans, would provide insight into his progression. Moreover, delving into the cultural context and how the family’s cultural values impact their expectations and responses to Park’s choices is crucial, as cultural factors often shape family dynamics significantly. Lastly, exploring the family’s communication patterns, relationships, and long-term goals for each family member would help effectively tailor any interventions or advice to address their specific needs and challenges. Intervention Strategies Given the cultural differences and clashes in values between Park and his parents, the counselor must approach the case with cultural sensitivity and competence. This involves understanding and respecting the cultural norms, ideals, and expectations of both the parents, the Chens and their son, Park. The counselor should engage in cultural humility, acknowledging that their own cultural background may differ from the clients’ and that they are there to learn and support without judgment. Family therapy can effectively address the cultural differences between Park and his parents, Wen and Mei Chen. Given the conflict arising from Park’s assertion of his American identity, career aspirations, and his parents’ traditional cultural expectations, a family therapist can create a safe, structured space for open dialogue. This

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4 approach allows each family member to express their perspectives and feelings while promoting empathy and understanding. In family therapy sessions, the therapist’s role is to facilitate a conversation about cultural values, expectations, and the impact of acculturation on individuals within the family. By exploring these topics, the therapist can help the Chens and Park recognize the importance of respecting each other’s cultural backgrounds while acknowledging the influence of their American identity (Tafa et al., 2023). The therapist may also introduce cultural competency exercises to foster cross-cultural understanding, promoting compromise and a more harmonious family dynamic. Overall, family therapy provides a framework for addressing cultural differences constructively and finding common ground for mutual respect and support. Moreover, the family needs to learn to communicate while also avoiding conflict. Effective communication and conflict resolution strategies, such as active listening, can be instrumental in this process. Active listening is a fundamental counseling strategy that can significantly benefit the Chens and Park by improving communication and resolving conflicts. In this case, the therapist will teach the family members active listening skills to enhance their ability to understand and empathize with each other’s perspectives. This involves teaching them to listen attentively without interruption, validate each other’s feelings, and ask clarifying questions to ensure a thorough understanding. Active listening can be instrumental in de-escalating conflicts between Park and his parents. The therapist can guide the family in structured dialogues where each person takes turns expressing their thoughts and feelings while the others practice active listening (Zuzanek & Hilbrecht, 2018). By doing so, the family members can gain deeper insights into each other’s concerns and motivations, which can help to reduce misunderstandings and emotional tension.

5 This approach encourages a more empathetic and constructive atmosphere, paving the way for healthier communication and conflict resolution within the family. Reflection on My Culture Cultural awareness is one of the most significant skills in counseling. Being aware of my culture helps me appreciate myself and respect other people’s views and beliefs. As a white Caucasian, I must recognize that my cultural background comes with its own values, beliefs, and traditions. In many Western cultures, including mine, individualism and autonomy are often highly valued. In thinking about strategies that might work with my family, it’s crucial to consider the importance of open and respectful communication. Engaging in open dialogue with family members can be a powerful strategy to address conflicts and differences in a way that aligns with the cultural emphasis on individual expression. Another effective strategy for my cultural background may involve empathy-building exercises. Encouraging family members to converse without judgment can facilitate understanding and promote more harmonious relationships. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the ability to see situations from others’ perspectives may foster mutual respect and unity within the family. Ultimately, the goal would be to balance the individualistic values of my cultural background with the need for strong family connections and effective communication. Overall, the case of the Chen family highlights the intricate interplay between cultural expectations, generational gaps, and individual autonomy within a multicultural family setting. The conflict stemming from Park’s career choice underscores the need for effective communication and understanding among family members as they grapple with the evolving dynamics of their family life cycle. By implementing counseling strategies such as family therapy to bridge cultural gaps and active listening to foster empathy and constructive dialogue,

6 the Chen family can work towards a resolution that honors their cultural heritage while allowing Park the freedom to pursue his passion. This case, compared to my cultural background, reminds counselors of the significance of respecting diverse cultural backgrounds within families and the potential for unity and growth in various stages of the family life cycle.

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7 References Tafà, M., Bracaglia, F., Inguscio, L., & Carone, N. (2023). What decides the well-being of the relationship between parents and adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 20 (1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010383 Zuzanek, J., & Hilbrecht, M. (2018). Do parents matter? Teens’ time use, academic performance and well-being. Centre Urbanisation Culture Société (UCS) , 29 .

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