PSY FPX 5110 Assessment 2 Multicultural In- Service on Addiction, Biases, & Ethics: A Case Study

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 5110 Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Case Study Overview

Mary Anne, an 18-year-old Hispanic female, is grappling with both an opioid use disorder (OUD) and a non-suicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID). She has voluntarily entered a women’s treatment facility that includes equine-assisted counseling (EAC). Despite initially being deceptive with her treatment team about her self-harming behaviors, Mary Anne eventually found the horse in EAC to be instrumental in encouraging her to openly discuss her hidden self-injury methods. This interaction underscores the importance of cultural understanding and best practices for all involved treatment staff.

Cultural Differences

Mickey Kay Troxell

Mary Anne

White Female (Race/Ethnicity/Gender) Hispanic Female (Race/Ethnicity/Gender)
53-year-old (Age, Generational Influences) 18-year-old (Age, Generational Influences)
Addiction/Equine Supervisor (Socioeconomic Status) Client in Treatment (Socioeconomic Status)
Not Medicating (Acquired Disability) Still Medicating (Acquired Disability)

Relevant Biases

1) Difficulty in having the patience for the client’s and horse’s process to unfold.

Strategy to improve cultural competency: Attend two different Multicultural Gestalt technique trainings to better understand client-centered therapy and counseling across diverse cultures.

2) Concern about the client’s ongoing medication and her youth as a barrier to long-term recovery. Questions regarding the client’s desire for change and whether her age is an impediment to recovery.

Strategy to improve cultural competency: Review three peer-reviewed research papers on non-suicidal self-injury disorders and three additional papers on treating young adults. Continue seeking supervision when working with self-harming young adults for at least another year to build confidence in handling this special population.

Best Practice for Working With a Hispanic Female

Trust needs to be built, and engaging in counseling may clash with her cultural beliefs.

Moitinho et al. (2015): The client’s delay in discussing self-harm was not an avoidance of healing but a process of establishing trust and understanding the roles of the counseling staff and intervention outcomes.

Best Practice for Working With an 18-year-old

Early prevention and intervention can prevent adverse long-term outcomes. Show respect, and the counselor will eventually be perceived as authentic and caring.

Colizzi et al. (2020): Consistently maintain respect, flexibility, encouragement, and appropriateness. Competency is shown by creating a healing, engaging, and safe environment.

Best Practice for Working With a Client in Treatment

Clients in treatment need assistance but may struggle with relinquishing their old habits.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2020): Build a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, clear communication, respect, and authenticity. Clients typically need 7 to 14 days to adapt to a new therapeutic setting.

Best Practice for Working With a Client Who is Still Medicating

Self-harm is a complex disorder often associated with managing emotional pain and stress, which may lead to a sudden suicidal attempt if control feels lost.

Gulbas et al. (2015): Counselors should consult with other professionals on NSSI and read three peer-reviewed studies on NSSI to enhance competency. Understanding that NSSI is a way for individuals, especially youth, to manage negative emotions is crucial for effective treatment.

Conclusionary Statement

Research extensively about your client’s culture and issues. Examine your own biases and their potential impact. Recognize that Hispanics might need more time to build trust with therapeutic professionals. Avoid taking things personally. Demonstrate multicultural competency consistently.

References

Carter, R. (2016). Reflecting Humanity: Biological, Psychological, and Sociological Perspectives (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing. https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9781465298072

Colizzi, M., Lasalvia, A., & Ruggeri, M. (2020). Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health: is it time for a multidisciplinary and trans-diagnostic model for care? International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14, 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-00356-9

Gulbas, L. E., Hausmann-Stabile, C., De Luca, S. M., Tyler, T. R., & Zayas, L. H. (2015). An exploratory study of nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviors in adolescent Latinas. The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 85(4), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000073

Humphreys, K., Risner, W., Hicks, J. F., & Moyer, M. (2015). Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Cutting Through the Pain. Presentation at the Texas Counseling Association Conference, Corpus Christi, TX. https://www.counseling.org/docs/defaultsource/vistas/article_4486fd25f16116603abcacff0000bee5e7.pdf?sfvrsn=4