The topic on Counselling Latinos especially the subtopic particular challenges raises concern. Why are depressive symptoms so high with this group? Why is alcohol consumption and binge drinking likely to affect this group more than any other? How do clinicians overcome the cultural stigma related to mental health and fear of psychiatric medication? (Sue & Sue, 2013).
The fear of embarrassment and social discrimination if associated with psychological distress and expression of stress through somatic symptoms makes it difficult to counsel Latinos. To them thoughts of mental health problems make them think about insanity. Machismo also prevents them from seeking treatment for they feel that they have lost valuable time which could have been used for work (Sue & Sue, 2013).
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A clinician can try to build rapport and offer psychoeducation, but this is not adequate. Trying to explore the heritage and history of the client in addition to their views towards counseling and cultural translocation can be a solution but still desires more. Having a flexible style that incorporates roles that are familiar to the client can be useful in any encounter (Sue & Sue, 2013).
The video on Mental Health: A Guide for Latinos and their families helps in understanding the challenges faced by the Latinos. It clearly discusses the mental health problems that they encounter and how some of them can be addressed. The professionals offer their points of view on how to address the issues affecting Latinos (Sue & Sue, 2013).
Combining Experts, patients and public health officials like Dr. Antonio Novello brings different perspectives from which the different individuals perceive mental health. The role of culture is also addressed in which it creates barriers that prevent people from seeking help. A point to note is that solutions to all mental health problems are there but culture-bound syndrome limits access, and at times individuals prefer to hide their conditions rather than expose them through medication (Sue & Sue, 2013).
Reference
Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2013). Counselling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice (6th ed.). Hobroken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons