12.6 Case Study

Sofia is a licensed professional counselor who works in a community mental health clinic serving a diverse population. One of her clients, Amir, is a 34-year-old immigrant from a Middle Eastern country who has been struggling with depression and anxiety since relocating to the United States. Amir has difficulty balancing his cultural traditions with the expectations of his new environment and expresses concerns about how these conflicts are affecting his marriage and parenting.

During one session, Amir reveals that he has been feeling increasingly pressured by his extended family to adhere to traditional gender roles, which he finds restrictive. At the same time, his wife is asking for a more egalitarian partnership. Amir admits he feels torn and guilty, as he wants to respect his cultural values while supporting his wife’s desires for equality.

Sofia recognizes Amir’s internal conflict but realizes she has limited knowledge about his cultural background. She begins to question whether her own values, shaped by Western ideals, might inadvertently influence the way she frames questions or offers guidance. Adding to her concerns, Amir shares that his extended family has pressured him not to seek therapy, viewing it as unnecessary and stigmatized in their culture.

Discussion Questions

1. How can Sofia approach Amir’s concerns in a way that respects his cultural values while helping him address his personal and relational challenges?
2. What strategies can Sofia use to explore and mitigate her own cultural biases during her work with Amir?
3. How should Sofia address the stigma Amir feels toward therapy while maintaining a culturally sensitive approach?
4. What ethical considerations should guide Sofia if she believes Amir’s cultural expectations are contributing to his emotional distress?
5. How might supervision or consultation help Sofia navigate the complexities of this case?
6. What lessons does this case highlight about the importance of cultural humility in counseling?
7. How can counselors advocate for systemic changes to reduce cultural stigma around mental health care in diverse communities?