Ethics in Multicultural Counseling

The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2015) in section E.8. Multicultural Issues/Diversity in Assessment explains that clinicians need to be multiculturally aware of their clients needs and adjust their assessment so

I believe another key characteristic trait of a counselor is one who is culturally responsive to the diverse needs of the individuals we serve. The counseling profession would be inadequate if there were a lack personal awareness of the diverse multicultural groups that create the communities in which we live in (Brinson, J. A., & Lee, C. C., 2005). To be a competent counselor, a person must possess the ability to be nonjudgmental and communicate positive unconditional regard both on a cultural and personal level that is understandable to the individual. A culturally responsive counselor is cognizant of how his or her values, biases, and assumptions may impact a person's counseling experience of diverse cultural backgrounds. In that regard, an effective counselor is able to be cognizant of

Though many writers have argued that the importance of diversity and multicultural advantage does improve outcomes., this relationship was verified by the meta-analysis of Griner and Smith (2006) who found that interventions targeted to specific cultural groups were more effective than generic interventions provided to heterogeneous groups. Overall, James needs to broaden his understanding and knowledge when it comes to diverse populations and cultural awareness he needs to learn the importance of his ethical responsibility to all populations not just the cultures he is familiar and comfortable around. With a better understanding he can adapt to client interventions across spectrums that are significant to their future improvement and success. In other words, psychologists through their own self-refection should be able to provide quality services from a professional stance and perspective for all populations in order to ensure they are meeting the ethical standard outlines by the APA and

The journal article examines the teaching of multiculturalism as a discipline in the counseling field. No other field of study is more affected by multiculturalism then the field of counseling. “In the study research appears to confirm the importance of attending to cultural concerns in the therapeutic process as well as the efficacy of multicultural training approaches in the establishment of multicultural counseling competence”. (Fetzer, 2016) Further research also shows that racial group membership and racial identity of the student impacted engagement in multicultural counseling.

It is important to be aware of one’s limitations, weaknesses and strengths in the delivery of counseling services. Taking into account the cultural values of the client, the support systems and the client’s view of the key parts of his or her makeup (the history of the client) are culture specific (because someone is of the same race does not mean that values will be the same) and does not discount the individual. Sue et al reminds us that multicultural counseling competency looks beyond racial and ethnic minorities and also includes disabilities, sexual orientation, age, and other special populations (Sue, et al, 1992).

When it comes to counseling interracial couples and/or families, counselors must be aware of every possible problems interracial couples face in everyday life. Counselors must also be aware that it is going to be difficult depending on the situation. It is counselors’ responsibility to uphold the ACA Code of Ethics, and to make sure they do not put every interracial couple in a discomfort zone when discussing about most common problems. The ACA Code of Ethics is in place to assist counselors into making the best ethical decision that matches both the counselors and clients without stepping into their discomfort zone. In order to get the clients out of their discomfort zone, counselors must give the clients time to trust them first.

Multicultural group counseling takes place when a counselor and/or clients are from differing cultural, race, and/or ethnicity groups. Due to the significant demographic changes that are occurring in the United States, multiculturalism is becoming increasingly important. When acting as a multicultural group counselor, it is important to modify techniques to reflect the cultural differences of the client, be prepared to deal with difficulties during the counseling process, and understand the way culturally diverse people conceptualize their problems as well how they resolve them (Gladding, 2012). In order to be an effective multicultural counselor, it is important that one is aware of their cultural heritage, understands how their cultural background affects their attitudes, values, and beliefs, recognizes the limitations of their multicultural expertise and/or competency, and identify the root of their discomfort with different clients (Gladding, 2012). One can implement these through three key aspects Gladding (2012) outlined in his book and effective leadership skills.

Counseling has impacted the well-being of cultural diverse populations by increasing growth in ethnical and minority groups. Cultural diverse has influence counselors to work together as one, empower skills to meet the challenges and demands of diverse client groups (Hays, 2016). Counselors utilize interventions focused on client’s needs to assess cultural concerns. These techniques establish the significant collaboration of the counsel/ client relationship, promote clients awareness to their limitations and provide imperative ethical guidelines. Counselors are skilled in their practices to facilitate productive healing in mild to serve cultural population. Counselors develop an empathic understanding and support with their clients. They are encouraged to elevate cultural knowledge, self-awareness and stress-less experiences.

The topic I have chosen is ethical issues in multicultural counseling. I have chosen this topic because ethical issues in multicultural counseling are not as well-known. Professional counselors must be aware of the human service ethical standards and dilemmas. However, some are not aware of how to counsel someone of a different race, ethnicity or religion. We, as human service professionals are taught to respect our client’s background, but not how to use different techniques an understandings in order to build trust and rapport. Each race, ethnicity, religion and individual goes through different experiences, but human service professionals must learn how to counsel them. Ethical issues arise every day, but ethical issues in multicultural

In a multicultural counseling perspective there are four key approaches when counseling individuals, (a) multicultural awareness of culturally learned assumptions about self and others leading to accurate assessments of clients, (b) multicultural knowledge of information, (c) multicultural skills and interventions, that are appropriate treating clients, and (d) individuals are from a variety of backgrounds, demographic status, and affiliation of cultures. The three-stage approach, will direct the counselor towards levels of multicultural competence in therapy by providing a successful outcome in the recovery process. When conducting a psychotherapy session with a client the counselor should be able to demonstrate skills, when exploring the client’s cultural background. Counselors should also be able to focus on the essential skills and pattern behaviors, when identifying cultural differences. Counseling a minority from a different culture counselors’ must be able to identify their own personal behaviors. These behaviors are crucial when counseling these individuals. First, a counselor must be able to sense the clients’ viewpoint or issue in some way. Secondly, a counselor should be specific when asking a question rather than being unclear and confusing.

Counselors who are unaware of diverse cultural viewpoints are more than likely to do intentional or unintentional damage when working within communities opposite of their own and with those whose cultures and worldviews differ from theirs. If a counselor is unaware of their own cultural identity, biases, and stereotypes, how then will they know if they are unintentionally causing harm to their clients or build rapport? Cultural self-awareness is relevant because counselors need to know their cultural identity and what they must offer their clients in a therapeutic relationship and to help clients become aware their cultural identities.

As individuals, we are diverse based on the background, experience, ability, race, language, etc. which impact the lens through which we view others and ourselves. As diverse individual, we may belong to dominant or non- dominant groups. Thus, either we have power and privilege or we experience discrimination and oppression. Further, we are shelled with diversity, ethnicity, and multiculturalism issues. Counselors have some ethical primary responsibilities to respect the dignity and promote the welfare of the client (A.1.a), “honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity” and “promoting social justice” (Herlihy & Corey, 2014, p. 3)

Reading this article definitely left me with an open mind on reconsidering what I now consider “right” and “wrong”, but not just in cases of social work or working with families but in my everyday life. Because we cannot define ourselves without including our culture I believe it safe to day that we are indeed defined by our culture. This increases the possibility of “false consensus effect” playing a huge part on our judgment simply because it is what we believe to be “right”. “False consensus effect”, stands out to me because it’s a lot like pluralistic ignorance expects we don’t consciously know that it is taking effect. It’s important to know how to handle

The relationship of a counselor to his or her client can be troubled when the two come from different cultural backgrounds. "As counselors incorporate a greater awareness of their clients' culture into their theory and practice, they must realize that, historically, cultural differences have been viewed as deficits (Romero, 1985). Adherence to white cultural values has brought about a naive imposition of narrowly defined criteria for normality on culturally diverse people" (Bolton-Brownlee 1987). The challenge for counselors today is to balance multiculturalism and sensitivity for the client with the need to move the client forward and enable him or her to reach productive life goals. Cultural acceptance cannot be synonymous with complacency.

In the beginning of the course I had very little knowledge about the theories in multicultural counseling. I knew that it was centrally focused around social justice and equality but I didn’t know there were theories that pertained to specific ethnic minorities. I also learned that there isn’t a one size fits all theory. What I learned was that each model needs to be unique to the client and very well rounded; it should include a specific goal(s), describe the process, “have both aspects of cognition and emotion, and include justice and equity as well.” (Jun 2010) I have learned that as a multicultural counselor you have to be very aware and mindful of your thoughts and actions. I learned that there is a lot that is integrated into multicultural counseling and it isn’t cut and dry. There are varieties of concepts, such as being aware of oppression, continuous self-reflection, awareness of impact that a multicultural counselor can have on an individual, etc. (Jun, 2010)