What should a school counselor consider when addressing a student's issues related to cultural identity?

In the context of addressing a student's issues related to cultural identity, focusing on the established cultural identity is essential. This consideration allows the school counselor to understand the student's background, values, and experiences that shape their sense of self. Cultural identity plays a significant role in how students perceive themselves and interact with the world around them, influencing their social dynamics, coping mechanisms, and response to various challenges.

By prioritizing the established cultural identity, the counselor can create a supportive environment that acknowledges and respects the student's unique experiences. This understanding can enhance the counselor's ability to provide appropriate interventions or support strategies that resonate with the student's identity and help navigate cultural challenges they may experience. It also helps establish a trusting relationship, as students feel seen and valued for who they are.

While developmental history, academic performance, and the counselor's personal beliefs are important factors in the broader context of a student's overall well-being, they are secondary to the need to prioritize and understand the cultural identity that significantly impacts the student's life experience and issues they may be facing.