Peer responses discussion 2 Wk 11 SOCW 
Respond to the two colleagues posts that have been provided separately in the following way:
Offering an additional strategy your colleague could use to facilitate culturally and contextually ethical treatment of clients (Use your Learning Resources Walden Library to support your strategy.)
Intext citations and full references
Peer 1: Noelia Antonio 
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 11

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In the case of Marisol, she struggled with accomplishments such as getting her high school diploma and GED. She has comorbid cocaine abuse and benzodiazepine dependence, which came about as a result of her anxiety and feelings of nervousness. She struggles expressing her issues to her male Caucasian counselor. Marisol expressed that he seemed impatient, even though it was difficult for her to express this. Marisol expressed her counselor being quick to give her a prescription. She expressed fear of being thought of as a bad woman, and that he has the final say, even though she feels that he cannot relate to what she is going through. Her experiences as a Latina woman, who is addicted, and experienced traumatic events in her past make her feel that her counselor cannot relate to all of this (Laureate Education, 2012e).
It is important to take cultural considerations in the approach with Marisol. Individuals who are Latinos are less likely to seek treatment. They are less likely to seek treatment due to stigmas or cultural beliefs that they cannot speak to others outside of their family (Gopalkrishnan, 2018). Considering Marisol is reaching out, the fact that she is being met with an impatient counselor that is not understanding her needs, could validate these feelings of hesitation. It is important to take into consideration aspects such as the time it takes for Marisol to open up. It takes time for individuals to develop feelings of trust, especially in individuals that are outside of their family. Attempting to continuously build rapport with Marisol, even if she is being closed off, is important to build confidence. Additionally, allowing Marisol to express herself in her language is important. The therapist can allow her to speak in her language without expressing frustration, and then ask for clarification afterwards, in order to present an empathetic approach (Fierros & Smith, 2006). Ultimately, if Marisol does not feel comfortable with a male Caucasian therapist, it may be more beneficial for Marisol to seek treatment under a female and/or someone from a similar ethnic/racial background.
References:
Fierros, M., & Smith, C. (2006). The relevance of Hispanic culture to the treatment of a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatry (Edgmont), 3(10), 49.
Gopalkrishnan N. (2018). Cultural Diversity and Mental Health: Considerations for Policy and Practice. Frontiers in public health, 6, 179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00179
Laureate Education (Producer). (2012e). Multicultural and contextual considerations case study: Marisol [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Peer 2: Nicole Owens 
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 11

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Case Study
Marisol a 25 year old Latina raised by a single mother in the US, but she has extended family in Mexico. She feels pressured to get married but doesn’t feel she is ready for marriage or children. Her sisters are in abusive relationship and she stated she has had a hard life. She moved from place to place while growing up and never felt comfortable to unpack. She also suffers from anxiety disorder. When she becomes nervous she forgets to speak English. She wants to make her mother proud and feels ooverwhelmed, which has caused drug and alcohol abuse. Marisol expressed feeling uncomfortable communicating with her counselor because he is a Caucasian male and she feels he doesn’t understand what she is going through as a Latina woman. 
explanation of how you would advocate for clients like Marisol
As a social worker when working with Hispanic or Latino patients, I identify there preferred language even if they are bilingual. If they prefer Spanish I use an interpreter service to make them feel comfortable. Translation is important because some people prefer their native language to effectively communicate (Saha et al., 2008). I would advocate for a counselor that she will feel comfortable to communicate effectively and efficiently. I would advocate for a Latina woman as a counselor for Marisol. I would also advocate to ask clients their preference. Some patients prefer women over men or the opposite. Some patient also prefer counselors of the same race or ethnicity.I would advocate for access to a translator to help convey information.  If Marisol has someone from her own culture it can influence her relationship with her counselor. The expectation and ultimate goals for both the counselor and the client will improve and show notable progress once the client build rapport. As a mental health professional I would educate myself about racial, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual identities.  to build rapport with my clients. 
References
Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2008). Patient centeredness, cultural competence and healthcare quality. Journal of the National Medical Association, 100(11), 1275“1285. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0027-9684(15)31505-4