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Chapter 13: Gender: Summary

As demonstrated in this chapter, there are several ways in which gender emerges in counseling. Those ways include stereotypes and biases that both the counselor and the client might have and the important role of values, beliefs, and socialization. Gender stereotypes can be beneficial. However, when adhered to inflexibly, stereotypes can serve to limit clients' options. It is important to keep in mind that, in actuality, men and women have many characteristics that overlap, leading to the concept of fluid gender. It is imperative that counselors take a critical look at their own gendered lives, as well as those of their clients, in order to establish culturally alert practice.