Question

How do the concepts of “experiential, freewheeling, and bilateral” apply to the unique demands of cross-cultural helping? Share an experience outside the helping relationship in which you engaged in an unfamiliar cross-cultural encounter. How are these terms relevant to that experience?

Answer 1

Experiential: Providers are more likely to be affected directly and emotionally by the helping relationship, and to realize the need for new means of acting and relating to clients

Freewheeling: The helping process must be continually adapted to the specific cultural needs of differing clients

•Providers should alter techniques (e.g., general activity level, mode of verbal intervention, content of remarks, tone of voice), and be aware of approaches that are culture-bound

Bilateral: Provider should be willing to collaborate with the client to define the process itself

•Culturally competent professionals adapt and adjust their efforts according to the cultural needs of their clients.

when an orthodox Arab muslim female gets admitted for a gynaecological evaluation ,they preferred   a mirror for the evaluation ,as direct observation of private parts by a third person is not allowed in their culture . Hence the health worker assured the family regarding the same and made provisions for the same. (Freewheeling cross cultural help).