International Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development

Innovative Transformation Through Biblical Counseling in Serving the Spiritual Community

Samuel Herman, Juliana Hindradjat — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Counseling services in the local church play a significant role in creating positive transformation. Pastors guide the congregation in overcoming issues, crises, and behaviors inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible. The success of counseling depends not only on counselor-client collaboration but also on understanding principles and using appropriate tools. The counseling process involves support, guidance, and direction with the help of the Holy Spirit and biblical teachings. Prayer is crucial for victory and faith growth during crises. Maintaining confidentiality and reliable methods is vital for counselors. Christian counseling leverages unique access to two sources: the Holy Spirit's wisdom and the Bible's guidance in the counseling process.

Implementation of Technology in Cross-Cultural Counseling Process: Challenges and Opportunities

Muh. Hapipi, Khatib Romli Ahmad, Lalu Sibuan Amir — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Abstract. This study aims to investigate the impact of technology on the development of cross-cultural competence and enhance cross-cultural communication effectiveness in the context of counseling. The research adopts a Systematic Literature Review approach, utilizing sources indexed in Google Scholar, DOAJ, and Scopus, with publications selected from 2013 to 2024. The evaluation of the research indicates that the implementation of cross-cultural counseling is significantly influenced by the availability of technological infrastructure. Despite technology providing ease of access, technical challenges such as limited written communication skills and unfamiliarity with technology need to be addressed to maximize counseling effectiveness. The security and privacy aspects of implementing technology in cross-cultural counseling are complex issues that require special attention, including adjustments based on client preferences regarding anonymity and personal connection. The objective of this study is to gain a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in integrating technology into the cross-cultural counseling process, with a focus on improving communication skills, addressing technical constraints, and implementing policies and security practices to ensure the successful implementation of technology in the cross-cultural counseling context.

Effectiveness of Providing Counseling with Understanding Intercultural Communication

Raka Sutateon Ivanda Kara Kara — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Cross-cultural counseling involves providing support to minority groups within various cultural contexts. It recognizes that counseling is a cultural exchange between the counselor and the client. Behaviors considered problematic and methods of adjustment vary across cultures, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity for effective counseling. Counselors must overcome cultural biases and possess skills that acknowledge and respect diverse cultural backgrounds. Intercultural communication occurs across nations, encompassing differences in norms, race, language, religion, education level, social status, and gender. It requires diplomatic approaches from individuals such as foreign students, international school teachers, and social workers. Understanding intercultural communication involves examining communication approaches, identifying barriers between cultures, and assessing how these barriers impact communication. During counseling sessions, it's crucial for counselors not only to understand the client's culture but also to recognize the individual cultural nuances of each client. Failing to do so may lead to cultural insensitivity, lack of empathy, and the imposition of the counselor's cultural values onto the client.

Community Empowerment Strategy Through Cultural Collaboration Counseling and Community Forest Utilization

Elvira Whulandary, Sasmita Gazi Harmain — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Forest management aimed at maximizing forestry resources and empowering local communities is the focal point of production-oriented forest management. The Wana Tekat Mandiri Farmer Group Association oversees community forests, which are primarily intended to empower local residents. However, illegal logging conducted by external parties poses a significant challenge, undermining the support of these groups for regional government initiatives in guiding the Farmer Group Association in the Boalemo District. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing methods such as observation, interviews, and documentation. Findings reveal that the community development and empowerment strategy in utilizing community forests has been effectively implemented, with coaching playing a pivotal role. The coaching strategy primarily focuses on developing skills, knowledge, and attitudes to enhance the community's capacity. It is anticipated that this coaching approach will positively impact community empowerment.

Counsellor Ideal Character Based on Javanese Cultural Values

Bakhrudin All Habsy, Mariani Binti Md Nor — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

When dealing with other people, especially counsellors, counsellors must be able to be ngemong by showing a tolerant attitude, not reproaching, not demanding and helping them in fulfilling their needs. by showing a ngemong attitude, the counsellor will show himself as a trustworthy and compassionate person. Of course, professional counsellors have at least reached the level of "tepa sarira" where the counsellor is able to understand what others feel. In order not to become "The wounded healer", a counsellor needs to be "introspective" where he tries to understand his own situation as honestly as possible. However, it would be even better if the counsellor is able to determine his/her identity as a person (mulat sarira). Thus, a counsellor can carry out his role as a professional person with selflessness for the good of many people and as a divine person. As a person born in Java, a Javanese counsellor should instil the values of Javanese cultural wisdom in his/her life while remaining flexible and open to the times. So, in addition to staying updated with the outside world, the counsellor is also a successor to the noble values of the nation.