Tma03
Consider systemic and socio-cultural issues in a counselling case study
Family context and wider socio-cultural influences are widely recognised in counselling and psychology as major contributory factors that help to shape the way people think, perceive and feel about themselves, their relationships and the way things are in their society (Barker, 2010; Vossler, 2010). Importantly, Barker (2010) points out the dichotomous socio-cultural divisions that are prevalent within most modern societies. These divisions can be seen to reflect the dominant ideals that are considered the ‘norm’ or ‘normal’ within a society and what is considered anomalous with the norm; for example, man/woman, cisgender/transgender, straight/gay etc. Furthermore, Barker (2010) suggests that those existing within the norm are generally considered as more privileged which leads to the formation of hierarchies and major inequalities of power. Therefore, those existing outside the cultural norm are often stigmatised and marginalised by society and resultantly, this can often lead to emotional difficulties such as the onset of fear and sadness (Barker, 2010). However, as Barker (2010) points out it is also important to note that many people, such as those of ‘mixed race’ etc, exist between the divisions and thus tend to experience discrimination from ‘both sides’ of the dichotomy. This essay will explore the potential affects of these socio-cultural issues, upon a fictional case study of a bi-sexual transsexual female. In addition, it will do so from a systemic standpoint and outline some possible counselling approaches and methods that may help to moderate any ingrained patterns of negative/problematic behaviour.
Firstly, the details of the fictional case study to be examined for this essay are as follows:
Tina is a 43 year old bisexual transsexual female. She was brought up as an only child in rural Lincolnshire. Tina’s father died of cancer when she was very young, leaving her mother
Family context and wider socio-cultural influences are widely recognised in counselling and psychology as major contributory factors that help to shape the way people think, perceive and feel about themselves, their relationships and the way things are in their society (Barker, 2010; Vossler, 2010). Importantly, Barker (2010) points out the dichotomous socio-cultural divisions that are prevalent within most modern societies. These divisions can be seen to reflect the dominant ideals that are considered the ‘norm’ or ‘normal’ within a society and what is considered anomalous with the norm; for example, man/woman, cisgender/transgender, straight/gay etc. Furthermore, Barker (2010) suggests that those existing within the norm are generally considered as more privileged which leads to the formation of hierarchies and major inequalities of power. Therefore, those existing outside the cultural norm are often stigmatised and marginalised by society and resultantly, this can often lead to emotional difficulties such as the onset of fear and sadness (Barker, 2010). However, as Barker (2010) points out it is also important to note that many people, such as those of ‘mixed race’ etc, exist between the divisions and thus tend to experience discrimination from ‘both sides’ of the dichotomy. This essay will explore the potential affects of these socio-cultural issues, upon a fictional case study of a bi-sexual transsexual female. In addition, it will do so from a systemic standpoint and outline some possible counselling approaches and methods that may help to moderate any ingrained patterns of negative/problematic behaviour.
Firstly, the details of the fictional case study to be examined for this essay are as follows:
Tina is a 43 year old bisexual transsexual female. She was brought up as an only child in rural Lincolnshire. Tina’s father died of cancer when she was very young, leaving her mother
References: Barker, M. (2010). Sociocultural Issues. In Barker, M., Langdridge, D. & Vossler, A. (eds). Understanding counselling and Psychotherapy. Sage Publications Ltd: London. Pp Vossler, A. (2010). Systemic Approaches. In Barker, M., Langdridge, D. & Vossler, A. (eds). Understanding counselling and Psychotherapy. Sage Publications Ltd: London. Pp