Western Culture

However, as described by Christopher , Simon’s presenting problem stimulated deeper personal re?ection: I confess that initially this case placed me in a dif?cult position with respect to my own values. Having spent a number of years critiquing Western culture and learning about the moral visions of non Western traditions, my tendency was to focus on the limitations of assertiveness and the individualism it manifests and supports. Moreover, I was troubled to see someone from a cultural tradition as rich as Simon’s almost eager to forsake this heritage to become Western …. I … felt a sense of reservation about helping Simon with his stated goals.

This case illustrates an interesting potential contextual dilemma associated with cross cultural counseling. That is, how does the therapist handle a situation in which he or she values a client’s culture to a greater degree than the client? Take some time to re?ect on John Christopher’s dilemma. How would you be affected by a similar situation? Are there any particular ethnocultural perspectives, philosophies, or behavior patterns that you ?nd more desirable than your own? Putting It in Practice 13.5ing and decision making. Religious orientations are as varied as the countries from which Asian Americans have come, including such diverse belief systems as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Janism, and many branches in each.

Much has been written about the Western mind or worldview and the Eastern mind or worldview in religious and philosophical literature. Although the following quote may not help the interviewer with any particular Asian American client, it may serve as a guide in our quest to be more authentically multicultural:

A Cup of Tea

Nan in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era , received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.