How does diversity impact on the counselling relationship?
Diversity refers to the presence of particular differences between individuals in a group of people, or a society.
Common differences include:
- Religion
- Race
- Gender
- Sexuality
- Age
- Socio-economic Class
- Physical/Emotional Ability
Awareness of diversity has increased in the 21st Century to include differences such as LGBTQ+ diversity, heritage and culture.
For the past 30+ years, I have worked with people from many ethnic and religious backgrounds, different socio-economic backgrounds, people with disability, different sexual orientations, mental health issues, and children and adults of all ages.
One thing I do know is that every single one of us is unique, there may be similarities, but the uniqueness remains. When I am with a client I try to connect with their soul, the whole person, not just a symptom. There is always a logical reason for why we are as we are, although most of us tend to blame ourselves, phrases like “You’ll think I’m stupid” are very common. If someone is seeking counselling they most certainly are not stupid, it takes courage and self-awareness to seek counselling.
All of us carry our ancestors and their life experiences within us, our first learning is with our Mother who carried and gave birth to us. Even in the womb, we were absorbing information, becoming familiar with Mother’s voice, feeling her emotions, all of this was automatic, with the information settling into our developing brain, preparing us for life outside the womb.
That first relationship affects all those that come after. If we have loving, safe and secure relationships with both parents we are very likely to grow up feeling confident, safe and secure. Good parenting helps siblings get on well together too. Many of us don’t have the advantage of a happy loving home and this affects the relationships we form, how well we do at school, college, work, marriage etc. Counselling focuses attention on your very soul, the essence of who and why you are. It helps build your self-confidence, self-belief, removing self-imposed barriers, and freeing you from old, self-limiting beliefs. At the same time, your understanding of yourself and the world changes as you learn to be confident and self-assertive, allowing your true personality, the one you have chosen, to emerge.
You learn to see the value of the diversity of your past as you now can understand all the factors that have led to where you are now, this in turn frees you and liberates you, as you begin to recognise and embrace all your newfound abilities.
There are things we can change and things we cannot change, but if we gain understanding, we can accept, let go, and move forward confidently and easily.
Diversity should be embraced, it’s what makes life so fascinating, the only problems lie with those who are afraid of diversity and the richness it provides.
Let’s talk about it
If you are seeking a counsellor, Diana Parkinson can help through talking therapies. Diana is an experienced counsellor ready to listen and work with you to help improve your happiness.
