Counselling in a diverse society - stereotyping, language issues, different belief systems, family structures, family life experiences

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I will evaluate, using examples, the relevance of the following in the counselling process:-

stereotyping

language issues

different belief systems

family structures

family life experiences

Stereotyping

A stereotype is a popular belief about specific types of individuals. Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. "Stereotyping is where qualities are assigned to groups of people, based on their, for example, - race, religion, class, disability, age, gender, and sexual orientation. These qualities, characteristics, are generally "oversimplified, rigid, and often prejudicial" (Gladding, 2006) and results in a distorted image of a group. This distortion ignores the diversity within a group, so therefore should be avoided. Stereotyping can be positive and negative, however stereotyping generally results in a negative image of a group and should be avoided. I need to be aware of how I stereotype people and try to ensure that within the counselling process, that stereotyping does not prevent me from offering unconditional positive regard. I also need to be aware of how the client is stereotyping me. For example: If we were walking through a park late at night and encounter a gang of senior citizens, we