Multicultural And Social Justice Competencies (MSJCC)

One of the most promising approaches to the field of multicultural counseling/therapy has been the work on racial/cultural identity development among minority groups. This model acknowledges within groups differences that have implications for treatment. The high failure-to-return rate of many clients seems to be intimately connected to the mental health professional’s inability to assess the cultural identity of clients accurately. The model also acknowledges

Each client is influenced by race, ethnicity, national origin, life stage, educational level, social class, and sex roles (Ibrahim, 1985). The counsellor must view the identity and development of culturally diverse people in terms of multiple interactive factors rather than a strictly cultural framework (Romero, 1985).

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.

In this paper, I will explain how working with diverse and multicultural clients influences career counseling goals and objectives. I will describe specific factors related to racial identity and aspects of culture that contribute to career development. Finally, specific insights are offered for counselors offering assessment and treatment to this specific population.

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).

It is up to her to show empathy, determination, and cultural competency to build a trusting realationship. Understanding of the values patterns and worldviews of culturally diverse populations is key. A self-reported study was conducted on racial discrimination and its association with mental health status and whether this association varied with race/ethnicity or immigration status. The study found discrimination may be an important predictor of poor mental health status among Black and Latino immigrants. Previous findings of decreasing mental health status as immigrants acculturate might partly be related to experiences with racial discrimination (Gee, Ryan, Laflamme, & Holt, 2006). The writer enjoys using the strength based and ecological perspectives when providing interventions to patients and their families. According to Falicov (2014), the strength-based theory helps to focus on the resilience of a client and family, the ecological theory looks into how the client and family lives and fits into the sociopolitical context. The writer believes these two theories would fit the patient and even her family best, due to how resilient they are and how they fit into the sociopolitical

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.

Corey, M., & Corey, G. (2014) mentioned that the two important aspects that form the “foundation of multicultural counselling competency” are “self-awareness and global literacy” (as cited in Corey, M., & Corey, G., 2014, p.104). Indeed, in a place with such a diverse cultural network like Canada, working with people who come from different cultural backgrounds is inevitable. Thus, the first thing that a helper needs to pay attention to when working with people is to be mindful of his or her own values and beliefs. Since every single person is unique, if a helper is able to identify her own person, she will be more aware of it and less likely to impose those personal views of hers into professional practice. Therefore, the helper could carefully

Multicultural and diversity is an important topic in counseling. Counselors provide a service to everyone, regardless their nationality, gender, sexual preference or ethnical background. All counselors are held to a high ethical standard, rather they are school, family, and marriage, mental or spiritual counselors. Counselors must be competent to work effectively with members of society who are culturally different from themselves in order to avoid risk engaging in unethical conduct.

Multicultural Awareness will be discussed in this brief journal to identify the important guidelines of a mental health counselor when engaging with a diverse population within the counseling field. Multicultural Awareness is very important in the mental health counseling field due to many factors that counselors have to take into account to include: dissimilarities in religion and spirituality, beliefs, attitudes, sexual orientation, cultural norms and values systems, gender, age and maturity, socioeconomic class, family history, and even geographic location (Sue, Arrendondo, & McDavis, 1992).

Not only has the need for literature increased, but the need for training programs has been identified in assisting on in multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills (Sue, Arrendondo, & McDavis, 1992). A growing body of research suggests that understanding diverse cultural backgrounds and how this might affect the therapeutic process is essential for counseling effectiveness and increasing the utilization of counseling services, especially in the African American community. Early theorists, including

In 2005, the 20/20 committee stated that counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals (Erford, 2014). Therefore, understanding how the culturally diverse groups plays a great role in culture within the context of counseling interactions helps with the understanding of explain how the history and theories of counseling both benefited and oppressed cultural groups, understanding of a specific cultural group and, clarifies how standardized testing benefits or oppresses a specific cultural group like.

As our population continues to expand and rapidly diversify, the need for cultural competence within the counseling profession is of high importance. More and more, diverse populations are seeking counseling as a result of increased community awareness, empowerment, and opportunity. Traditional counseling approaches are rooted in the belief that “good counseling is good counseling,” while not recognizing that the definition of “good counseling” originates from White-Euro American norms, values, and points of view (Sue & Sue, 2015, p. 46). Even though strides have been made with the emergence of multicultural counseling techniques and theories, it is important to reflect on the past and present situation of counseling diverse populations. This paper will examine both the oppressive nature of historic counseling theories, as well as the benefits of emerging multicultural counseling

In the past, minority groups needs have been neglected in terms of mental health services (Sue & Sue, 2015). While the profession of counseling has come a long way, there is still much work that needs to be done, as can be seen with the WEAVE organization. While it is apparent that the organization has taken some steps in the right direction by having two counselors on staff who speak Spanish, there is still work that needs to be done. This organization does not appear to be addressing the needs of other minority groups or training their counselors on the needs of these groups. The statement that was made about how they didn’t offer training on multicultural issues because they assume this is done in counselor training, is worrisome, as

To provide excellent help to client, I must build a relationship with that person. For this therapeutic relationship to be strong and trusting; that will lead to a better treatment for the client I should respect confidentiality and the privacy of my client. In doing so I must pay more attention to the clients’ rights. I should be multiculturally competent and know that there is diversity (American counseling association ACA), 2014). This calls me to be careful and respectful of in the ways I react to my clients’