Cultural issues can have a massive impact on the counseling process and one must (a hypnotherapist) take into account these issues in order to have successful outcomes with these clients. Understanding for instance that interrupting is seen as rude in some cultural centers whilst in others, it as seen as commonplace and normal amongst individuals from that culture – many European cultures are like this. It’s important that the therapist is aware of cultural sensitivities and commonalities so that he or she doesn’t take offence and is able to communicate in the best way with that culturally different client to facilitate that required change. An awareness is also required when dealing with people of other cultures so that you can be on the look out for cultural and significant meanings so that you’re sensitive to the potential unknown cultural meanings of certain things.

At school I noticed Asian students typically would avoid looking into the eyes of their teachers when were being scolded because it is seen to be disrespectful. Where in Australian culture, it’s important that students look their teacher in the eye when they’re being scolded as it’s typically a mark of respect. In the counseling setting I know from past experience that it’s important to take into account the different societal roles that women are meant to play in different cultures. In many Muslim families I have spent time with there’s an understanding that the females duty is to raise the family and isn’t necessarily to get an education like their male Muslim counterparts. In that way therapists and counselors must not promote their way or cultures onto the client or at least, not attempt to prove their way is better. Learning the perspective of the client will give the hypnotherapist the best opportunity to be able to facilitate the required or wanted outcome with the client.