Write Mezzo/Macro Analysis – Describe why it is important to have a macro/systemic approach and a micro approach to interpersonal counseling. How do you think you can incorporate anti-opressive or multicultural social justice model into your interpersonal counseling skills?
Future Professional Development: Talk about areas that you would like to develop during your journey of becoming a human service professional. Identify possible avenues you would like to explore whether it is with yourself and your journey with growth and development or professionally with population or careers you would like to consider. How can you be an accountable practioner/professional now or in the future?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
The Significance of Mezzo/Macro Analysis in Interpersonal Counseling
Abstract
This paper delves into the importance of integrating a macro/systemic approach alongside a micro approach in interpersonal counseling. It also explores the incorporation of anti-oppressive and multicultural social justice models into counseling practices. Further, it discusses areas for future professional development in the journey of becoming a human service professional and strategies for being an accountable practitioner.
Introduction
Interpersonal counseling is a vital aspect of the human services field, aiming to support individuals in overcoming challenges and enhancing their overall well-being. While a micro approach focuses on individual interactions and dynamics, a macro/systemic approach considers broader societal influences and systemic factors that impact individuals’ lives. This paper argues that incorporating both approaches is crucial for providing comprehensive and effective counseling services.
The Importance of Mezzo/Macro Analysis in Interpersonal Counseling
Understanding the interconnectedness between individuals and their environments is essential in counseling. A macro/systemic approach enables counselors to recognize how societal structures, cultural norms, and institutional practices influence clients’ experiences and well-being. By considering these larger systems, counselors can better address systemic barriers to clients’ growth and development.
Moreover, a micro approach allows counselors to delve into the intricacies of individual experiences, emotions, and relationships. It focuses on the unique needs and challenges of each client, fostering personalized interventions and tailored support. By combining both approaches, counselors can create a holistic framework that addresses both individual concerns and systemic influences.
Incorporating Anti-Oppressive and Multicultural Social Justice Models
To enhance interpersonal counseling practices, it is essential to incorporate anti-oppressive and multicultural social justice models. These models emphasize equity, inclusivity, and cultural competence in counseling interactions. By integrating these frameworks, counselors can create a safe and affirming space for clients from diverse backgrounds.
Practically, counselors can incorporate anti-oppressive practices by challenging power imbalances, advocating for marginalized groups, and promoting social change within their communities. Embracing multicultural competence involves developing an awareness of one’s biases, engaging in ongoing education on diverse cultures, and adapting counseling approaches to meet clients’ unique needs.
Future Professional Development
As I embark on my journey to becoming a human service professional, there are several areas I aim to develop. Firstly, I aspire to deepen my understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in counseling settings. This involves honing skills in recognizing trauma symptoms, implementing trauma-sensitive interventions, and fostering a culture of safety for clients.
Additionally, I am keen on exploring career pathways that focus on community advocacy and policy reform. Engaging in grassroots initiatives, collaborating with advocacy organizations, and participating in legislative advocacy are avenues I aspire to explore. By amplifying marginalized voices and driving systemic change, I aim to contribute meaningfully to social justice efforts.
Being an Accountable Practitioner
To be an accountable practitioner now and in the future, I recognize the importance of continuous self-reflection, supervision, and ongoing education. Engaging in regular supervision sessions with experienced professionals can provide valuable feedback and insights for enhancing my counseling practice.
Furthermore, being an accountable practitioner entails upholding ethical standards, respecting clients’ autonomy, and advocating for social justice within and beyond counseling sessions. By remaining open to feedback, committing to lifelong learning, and advocating for systemic change, I strive to be a responsible and conscientious human service professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating a mezzo/macro analysis alongside a micro approach is crucial in providing comprehensive interpersonal counseling services. By incorporating anti-oppressive and multicultural social justice models, counselors can create inclusive and empowering environments for clients from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, committing to ongoing professional development and accountability enhances one’s effectiveness as a human service professional. Embracing these principles fosters ethical practice, promotes social justice, and empowers individuals to thrive in their journey towards healing and growth.
