Lisa Forbes interviewed by Counseling Today on women’s needs in counseling

Lisa Forbes, Assistant Clinical Professor, Counseling Program / Human Development and Family Relations Program

Lisa Forbes, an assistant clinical professor in the counseling program at the University of Colorado Denver who also works with clients at an inpatient psychiatric unit at a nearby medical facility, agrees that it is important that counselors not make assumptions. “You can read all the literature on this topic and know everything about women’s rights and equality, but it might not be that way for the woman who is in the room with you. Take each client as their own person,” says Forbes, an ACA member. “First and foremost, take a look at your own beliefs and your own values of stereotypical gender roles. If you’re not constantly trying to challenge those things, you will bring it into the room. … Don’t make assumptions, across the board. Just like any form of multicultural counseling, know the literature, know your personal biases, but get to know your client for who they are and what they need.”

[Take a look at the full article at Counseling Today.]