Personal Cultural Identity Paper

In order to provide culturally alert and ethically responsive counseling, counselors must first develop an awareness of their own cultural heritage, values, and socialization experiences. This assignment is designed to help you explore your personal and familial cultural identity and examine how it may influence your work as a professional counselor. You will develop a Family Tree using family interviews, family records, and/or reputable genealogical resources and write a reflective paper exploring your cultural background, family messages, and professional identity development. This assignment may be written in the first person and should reflect thoughtful self-exploration. Counselors must be self-aware before they can effectively facilitate clients self-exploration. Assignment Requirements Part I: Family Tree (Required) Create a Family Tree that includes at least two generations (more if available). When known, include: Ethnic, racial, national, or cultural origins Migration patterns or significant historical influences Acceptable formats: Genealogy website export or screenshot (e.g., FamilySearch.org) Visual diagram created in Word or another program Hand-drawn tree that is scanned and clearly labeled The Family Tree should be submitted as an appendix or separate attachment. Part II: Personal Cultural Identity Paper Address all seven sections below using headings: Ethnic and Cultural Heritage Describe your ethnic, racial, and/or cultural background and what you learned through family research. Cultural Values and Attitudes Discuss values, beliefs, and attitudes learned from your family and culture. Social and Cultural Journey Reflect on your social and cultural development, including significant experiences related to identity, privilege, or marginalization. Family Messages and Counseling Practice Identify family messages related to emotions, mental health, relationships, or difference and how they may affect your counseling work. Personality Characteristics Beneficial to Counseling Describe personality traits shaped by your family or culture that support effective counseling. Decision to Become a Counselor Discuss when and why you decided to pursue counseling and how your background influenced this choice. Integration and Reflection Reflect on how increased cultural self-awareness will enhance your effectiveness as a counselor. NOTE* I have included a couple documents that contain some info about me to aid in completing the paper.