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Setting clear group norms, and perhaps sharing and exploring each others instilled beliefs and building a relationship before moving onto hard information. All agreeing on a structure / goal, though that may not be able to be able to be decided on in a group setting, but through multiple safe and removed discussions to give members the opportunity to give honest feedback without being what might be considered rude in their culture by saying no directly. By solely using discussion and speaking as a means to share/disclose/teach might narrow the therapeutic process, and encouraging a multitude of techniques, perhaps including silent demonstrations, drawing, singing, dancing might appeal to a more dynamic group of cultures.

To encourage a supportive environment with room for members to be vunerable, share, support and grow, adapting a flexible and inclusive nature within a group setting would be a must after establishing trust and ensuring no assumptions are made. Take the intrinsically intwined connection between First Nation Peoples to country, and adapting the group setting  might include moving the session outdoors, acknowledgements of country each time, the use of Indigenous Languages encouraged, as well as story telling and teaching.

The group may need translators for any languages spoken, Aboriginal English, Islamic or otherwise. It might also mean having a men or female only group to be sensitive of modesty and culturally appropriate relationships, as well as have certain topics not discussed due to the sensitive nature of them. Asking for feedback on sessions and being committed to changing them to suit members would show a willingness to learn and adapt as a supportive therapeutic facilitator.

Katrina Boshammer

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No matter whether the group is for skills, process or psychoeducation and if the members are Indigenous, CALD or not and gender diverse and young or old, the most important things for a positive group dynamic are respect and connection.
To me respect comes from understanding that we are all human beings and are all worthy (just because we are) to be listened to. Proper listening means having an open heart whilst honouring the others journey.
The leaders role in all groups is to maintain awareness, demonstrate and promote this concept so all members can learn more about themselves, others and increase their skills. Connection comes when respect is offered and members therefore feel safe to share or just participate.

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Reflection article - Preview not available but the link works

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Due to my lack of experience in leading groups for therapy I searched for further information and came across the above article on ethics and culturally diverse groups.
The main take-away for me is the reference by the author to be understood and to understand".  This is achieved through a practice that involves group and self-education about the therapy and one's own cultural bias, explicit confidentiality expectations, and an eclectic approach amongst other considerations.
My reflection on this article and the Yarn Up presentation highlights to me the need for self examination and examination of expectations prior to working in groups. Many group members seemed to have negative expectations about group work including me. I am very grateful to the member who pointed out that what will happen will happen. Our need for control , especially myself, was in evidence for me. This is why this article on ethics was important for me. An ethical, eclectic approach to group work can help me and I hope others, move towards engaging positively and harmoniously in our group work.

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GROUP COUNSELING IN MULTICULTURAL SETTINGS: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

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Academia.edu is a platform for academics to share research papers.

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I think it can be beneficial for members to learn about each other and inherited customs, beliefs etc. The group has to be accepting of other peoples views and diversity. Living in Australia, a multi-cultural country, we are already familiar with diversity in culture. Having an open mind and being willing to learn is enriching our own personal experience. 

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I think it can be beneficial for members to learn about each other and inherited customs, beliefs etc. The group has to be accepting of other peoples views and diversity. Living in Australia, a multi-cultural country, we are already familiar with diversity in culture. Having an open mind and being willing to learn is enriching our own personal experience. 

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My thought is that the structured and laissez-faire groups are very Western oriented and may not work in a multi-cultural setting, as group members may be overwhelmed or intimidated by discussing their feelings and issues, being unable to express themselves in the common language i.e. English. Culturally they may not have the heart or will to share their problems or might feel shame at sharing disclosures. A small process group may work in a multicultural setting, with a confident, sensitive facilitator, time, positive encouragement and trust that group members will maintain confidentiality once they have the confidence to share. Process groups allow more time and space to get to know others and work through issues in a non-threatening way, giving confidence to do so.  Jill Finch

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Hi, in reviewing the materials uploaded for this week and considering the multi-cultural aspects I have the following observations.

The typecasting and stereotyping by film & TV has reinforced the entrenched ‘othering’ of those not represented in the groups and what group membership is and should be. For those from different cultural backgrounds and where sharing is reserved and creation of narratives to be diplomatic may occur, groups may not provide for genuine trust. it may also cause discomfort for those in the group who find disclosure a sign of weakness. These cultural assumptions underlying group involvement are potentially counter-intuitive and counter-productive when multi-cultural groups are involved. Also, group membership may need to cater for cross-generational and gender norms within the culture. Additionally, I have a reflection around university and international students experiencing mental health concerns. For them the content is shameful and could lead to them being excluded from family permanently. Therefore a group approach would need to be constructed carefully and long enough for true trust to be established for genuine involvement. Also, group names would need to be carefully crafted to ensure it meets both the need to establish a real purpose, but caters for cultural expectations.

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I think there are a number of factors for consideration when working in a multi cultural setting. 

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I think there are a number of factors for consideration when working in a multi cultural setting. 

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For instance, it is not always appropriate for a female to work with men’s groups or for men to work with women’s groups.
Cultural and values clashes can also be problematic.

However many multi cultural groups will be drawn to group work as this fits with collective models versus individual ideologies.

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If it were an Indigenous group or a group that  included Aboriginal group members the straight-forward nature of some groups may not suit. For example it's often a sign of respect for Aboriginal people not to look someone in the eye and I feel that groups involve a lot of that. Groups may also work better for Indigenous members to be separated by gender as womens' business and mens' business may need to be kept apart. Doing that may also help with comfort levels.

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Please share your thoughts about group work in the multi-cultural setting

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Please share your thoughts about group work in the multi-cultural setting