The following paper describes an interview conducted by a Latina counseling student with a White male interviewee named Mike. The purpose outlined is to identify how cultural differences may affect the therapeutic relationship between two people who are different in various ways but particularly in ethnicity/race, religion, and gender.

Mike regards his religion as the most important aspect of his life. Although his role as a White male may have initially impacted perceptions on the counseling student, she discovers the biggest challenge to be his religious beliefs.

Initially, it was obvious that Mike was White but I decided to ask him anyway. “Mike, what do you consider you racial/ethnic identity to be?” He looked perplexed just as I suspected so I politely gave him my reasons to why I asked. His look made me a little uncomfortable. For a minute, I thought perhaps I sounded a little racist or prejudiced. He then replied, “I consider myself a White Protestant.” Part of this answer was not a surprise to me. He is, obviously White although I do not dare guess anymore. However, if I had not asked him, I do not think I would have described him as a “White Protestant.”

When that response came to light, I realized that religion was a big part of his life. Almost immediately the stereotypes began to float in my head. I have heard that Christians are “obsessive freaks.” I define this as someone who is preoccupied with religion and God. Of course, I then redirected myself because I became aware that had just judged a potential client within the first few seconds of meeting him.

Background and Brief Description

Mike is a 45 year old male who is married five years to a White female. In my eyes, she is White. Mike’s response to his wife’s racial identity was the same; however, his wife yelled from the kitchen, “I am Italian.” I suspect she does not like to be called “White.” It is fascinating though that Mike identified his wife as White, not a White Protestant and definitely not Italian. Furthermore, because he is married to a female, I speculate that he is heterosexual; although, I did ask him what his sexual orientation was and he confirmed it to be as such. Mike furnished a confused look again like I am supposed to know something. “I like girls,” he said in reference to the sexuality question.

Mike and his wife have a 3-month-old baby girl who I noticed was dressed in pink from head to toe. His wife is 40 and she is a Social Worker who is on maternity leave; although, I later found out she will not be returning to work. Mike’s wife will stay at home and take care of their new born child who is their only child at this time. Both decided they want their daughter home schooled. Therefore, Mike’s wife will eventually take on the role of the teacher.

An orthopedic company as a “Project Manager” employs Mike. Based on first impressions, I estimate that they are doing well. Who buys a house, has a baby, and decides to cut out one income all at the same time? This is the perception I got about Mike and his family within the first 30 minutes.

Religion (Christianity/Protestant vs. Cat holism)

Besides our skin color, the most salient difference between Mike and I was our religious belief. Although I consider myself spiritual, I am not all that religious nor do I speak about God in almost everything I say as does Mike. Even if I was immersed into my Catholic beliefs, Catholism and Protestantism have many different theological viewpoints. For example, when Mike found out I was Catholic he immediately said, “Oh yeah, you guys pray to saints.” When I asked him to elaborate on that comment he asked me why anyone would not pray to God directly. He did not follow why there had to be a middle person. I guess what he asked makes sense. Nonetheless, I never thought about it previously because everyone I knew prayed to saints.

According to Robinson (2005) in comparing the two belief systems, in Catholicism, Saints form a major part of the religion and people pray to them to ask them to intercede; the clergy is appointed, male, and almost all unmarried; Protestants are Christians but possess only part of the truth; baptism is usually done at infancy; forgiveness is achieved through a repentance church ritual which involves a priest; and homosexuality is not chosen and not sinful unless acted upon. Robinson (2005) describes the Conservative Protestant belief to include: One prays to God and not Saints because they don’t form a major part of the religion; the clergy is elected and mostly male either single or married; Catholics are considered non-Christians; baptism is usually done later in life; forgiveness is achieved through prayer to God directly without any human intercessor; and homosexuality is chose and changeable and it is considered a major sin.

In conducting my research about his religion, I was not fully aware of how significant the opposition was to homosexuality. When I asked him about his feelings toward having a therapeutic relationship with a person who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual he responded, “Absolutely not!” He said he preferred a Christian therapist and I assumed that meant that a Christian therapist would not be gay, lesbian, or bisexual. He then proceeded to say that lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities were not morally correct and that it is no worse than being a drug addict, alcoholic, or adulterer. Not only was he prejudiced against this group but he was also indirectly telling me that all those mentioned were considered great sinners as well. The interesting thing is that Mike appears to be this inhibited guy who has low self-confidence and yet when he has an opportunity to defend his religious beliefs, the introversion goes out the window. His dedication to his religion is that powerful in his life.

Overall, Catholics are far more liberal than Protestants. This will definitely affect my approach in providing services. In thinking about the therapeutic relationship I found myself continuously making comments in my head about Mike. During the interview, he continuously spoke about God and even when we were ready to eat (since they ordered pizza) I dug right in and felt as if I had committed this great sin. I did not pray before I ate.

As a Catholic who went to Catholic schools all her life, I did pray while growing up before and after my meals. It was required by my Catholic schools. However, at home my family never prayed. Actually, we rarely even had dinner together. Mike and his wife were not rude at all. Nevertheless, when they began to pray aloud and I was almost done gobbling my slice, I could not help but to feel like I had disrespected their religious beliefs. I felt extremely embarrassed and wondered if that will affect what was left of the interview. It did not.

I suppose, I did not act in a culturally sensitive manner. The problem is that I do not feel as if I acted impulsively. I think even if I had thought thoroughly about their “Christianity” beforehand, I still would have missed that. I do not suspect that I will be having meals with my future clients but it definitely put things into perspective for me. That act could have been offensive to them (and it probably was) and it will possibly save me from similar situations in the future.