Hi Christine,

Thank you for your ideas and comments...you've given me some great
elements to consider. It's interesting that the Adlerian use of
lifestyle surveys and examination of the client's family constellation
as a way of understanding the holistic nature of a client might be in
conflict with cultures. By not "judging" and trying to understand the
client from their own phenomenological experience, my visceral response
was one of surprise...but upon reflection I can recall the perspective
you've raised about expectations for the therapist as an authority
being an important factor as well.

I'm wondering about how Adler's views on birth order might be more or
less relevant in culural difference. I understand that it's not just
about whether you are a first born, last born, adopted male or
female...that it is more about one you see your place/role, sense of
inferiority-strivings for superiority in your family
constellation...but how much of a role would cultural
difference/diversity play in how a client sees themselves in the role?
How important is it for the therapist to understand the culture of the
client in order to facilitate therapy in this instance?

On a related level, when a therapist is examining basic mistakes and
interpretations related to them...aren't determiniations of what a
basic mistake is culturally defined? And when a therapist works
towards reorientation, does she/he not work from ethnocentric values
that may be in conflict with the client's? The very nature of Adlerian
therapy in this regard, which is to have clients become "decent human
beings" infers a value judgement based on culture doesn't it?

Ok...I've rambled a bit here and apologize for it :p I've got a paper
that I am 2/3rds done with, but I'm, struggling a bit with these
questions that I have created. I think I've got answers to these
questions from an Adlerian perspective, but I'd appreciate hearing
other's thoughts :-)

The more I study/learn about Adler's theories, the more I identify with
it as an approach to counselling psychology...but every theory has it's
strengths and shortcommings and I wonder if culture
difference/diversity might be a shortcomming...

Cheers!

Colin

> Limitations in Multicultural Counselling
> This approach's detailed interview about one's family background can
> conflict with cultures that have injunctions against disclosing
> family matters. Some clients may view the counsellor as an
> authority who will provide answers to problems, which conflicts with
> the egalitarian, person-to person spirit as a way to reduce social
> distance.
>
> Regards
> Christine
>