Counselling young Emiratis: the value of a dialogical self model

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of counsellors, developing a rich awareness of young Emiratis’ unique predicament of belonging to a transitional society undergoing far-reaching sociocultural changes, that has the potential to impact their sense of well-being. Caught between a post-modern global culture and a deep-rooted traditional Emirati culture, they are often faced with the challenge of negotiating their ingrained Emirati self-construal to accommodate conflicting value systems and world views. This along with the typical pressures that come with their transition to adulthood often takes a grave toll on young Emiratis who are less resilient to overcome such challenges. Considering this psychosocial milieu along with their cultural conditioning, societal structure, and behavioural norms is important for counsellors to better understand and address young Emiratis’ counselling needs and issues within a globalized context. Such understanding can also help counsellors relate to young Emiratis’ issues with help-seeking, decision-making, construction of their self, etc., which may help in contextualizing the problems they bring to the counselling room. The relative value and importance of applying a dialogical model of counselling in the Emirati context is emphasized.

Keywords:

• counselling
• dialogical self model
• counselling for Emirati students

Notes

1. (Wasta – a system of patronage where Emiratis use their reputation, or sometimes the reputation of a colleague or familial relation, to obtain a certain privilege (Hutchings & Weir, 2006; Kilani & Sakijha, 2002)

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Ahammed

Shaima Ahammed is a psychologist with 10+ years of experience as a researcher and an educator in the UAE. She has held positions as an assistant professor of Psychology (UAE University) and School counsellor (GEMS Education) while in UAE. Her Ph.D. was awarded by the University of Delhi, India, in 2006, on her research, which examined the concepts of Ethical Behaviour and Moral Judgement. Shaima has authored several journal articles and book chapters all of which reflects her interests in self, identity, narration, culture and theory of dialogical self.

I. Cherian

Isaac Cherian is a licensed counsellor, currently working as a student counsellor at the Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He received a Masters in Applied Psychology in 1999 and has since then been interested in the construct of self and its varied dynamics. He applies an integrative counselling strategy, synthesizing various traditions of self and focusing on personal growth and self-awareness.