Referring to the unit readings and Tables 7.1 and 7.2 on pages 221–223 of your course text, compare the generic characteristics of counseling with respect to culture, class, and language to Native American characteristics in terms of culture, class, and language. Which characteristics most closely reflect your culture, class, and language?

Refer to Chapter 15 and supporting literature, and consider the types of mental health concerns you may be likely to encounter in counseling a Native American client, couple, family, or group (for example, the impact of educational disparities on career development). In this assignment, address the following:

• How would your approach as a counselor reflect your understanding of your own characteristics and those of your client or clients? 
  • Analyze the influence of your characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs on culturally competent counseling practice.
  • How could you tailor your approach to be sensitive to diverse client characteristics and experiences? What competencies will you require to do this?
• How would the impact of historical and current oppression be important to your work? 
  • Analyze the influences of internalized oppression and institutional racism on individuals and family systems, then consider strategies to counteract them.
• Discuss the implications of the client's characteristics and concerns on your counseling and advocacy strategies in terms of problem assessment, goal setting, and interventions that take into account individual, couple, family, and tribal considerations.

Requirements

Your paper should be 2–4 pages long and include a minimum of 2–4 references from current peer-reviewed journals (one may be the recommended reading). Use current APA format for all citations and references.