Annotated Bibliography : Multicultural Counseling : Annotated Bibliography

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

Below, I will discuss the results of a multicultural self-assessment that I took. I will describe a time in which I felt “other”. I will then proceed to explain my personal feelings regarding each. I will discuss a course of action I plan to take as a result of the multicultural assessment. I will develop a counseling identity statement. Finally, I will explain why multicultural awareness and cultural competency are important in the field of counseling.

This paper will introduce and define the need for Multicultural awareness as a clinical mental health counselor. It will further explore examples of various topics in Multicultural counseling such as: Racial and ethnic diversity, gender and social economic status. As a result of this research, in Multicultural awareness, the self-assessment rendered the identity of myself. It allowed me to realize what and who I was as “other.” In realizing who I was as “other”, I saw my own self-identity, and some of my flaws. Therefore, this assessment made me realize the need to develop a plan to correct areas of which demonstrated lower scores in: acceptance of change, stereotyping, and assuming may interfere as a mental health counselor if not corrected. Multicultural Self-Assessment After taking the multicultural self-assessment, my results revealed the following about myself. For the most part of this assessment, my strongest points were rounded in cultural diversity and understanding. Contrary to such, I scored lower in the areas of “assuming something is when it’s not,” “stereotyping,” and “adapting new changes” (Petrone, M. C. 2004). Lastly, more often than not results displayed equality, and positive outlook type of personality. For example, in posting to the discussion board, I tried to respond to topics without, disrespecting ones’ values, and at the same time introducing awareness about the topic. First Time I Realized I was “Other” The first

Getting my new text and being filled with curiosity is always a great feeling prior to starting a class; Cultural Anthropology, such a foreign topic, so I thought. Once I began to read the first few chapters of the book I began to recognize words and details that I have previously been introduced too. Thinking back to when and what classes I have had the same experience, I recall Multicultural Counseling and Psychology. Stepping out my comfort zone is what really came to mind. Growing up in a society that has changed so much over the years you would think that I would be used to it; however, asking to look at your community with a different set of eyes is uncomfortable and brings feelings of disbelief most of the time.

Although the practice of counseling has evolved considerably since its inception, the concept of multicultural competence remains novel. Engrossed in the lives of every clinician are underlined biases and prejudices that act as filters in which every interaction with a clients is affected. Current research on the topic of multicultural counseling has shown that although multicultural awareness is on the rise there is still a remarkable gap in research regarding the use of counseling service and outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities (Kerney,Draper, & Baron, 2005). Insights such as these have encouraged researchers to investigate multicultural

Cultural diversity continually grows, and as a counselor, it is my job to remain culturally competent, through keeping abreast of empirical research methods and educating myself on current sociocultural developments. Admittedly, I enjoy working with diverse populations; I easily transcend cultural, spiritual and socioeconomic differences. I have many friends from various faiths, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. There is a definite need for empathy and empowerment within the cultural sphere; human interactions are vital to our wellbeing, and acceptance of others cultural differences is helpful to understanding one another.

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2014). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.

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).

Human diversity is one of the most important influences in the counseling profession. Without it, assisting others would make less of an impact. As I am learning more and more about diversity and its importance, three truths have been made more apparent. This diversity is unavoidable. It warrants a type of raw and genuine respect. It allows for the acceptance of others while harvesting an openness in ourselves.

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.

Fhagen-Smith, P. (2014). Psychology 251. Multicultural Psychology – Courses of Instruction | Wheaton College. Retrieved from http://wheatoncollege.edu/catalog/psy_251/

The research paper, A Qualitative Study of the Relationship Between Cross-Counseling Outcome and Language Preferences for Bilingual Clients by Lingyan Gao explores the patterns underneath the nature of multicultural counseling, while identifying the role of language in cross-cultural therapy, and focused on the need for language services for bilingual/bicultural clients. In addition, the study hoped to enhance counselors’ multicultural competency in order to better service future clients.

Whether you are a part of the minority group or of the majority group we all have differences and similarities. We are all unique beings and there is no other person that is exactly like us. Becoming more familiar with all cultures can positively affect our counseling services. If we do not become familiar we are doing a disservice to ourselves and our future clients. There is no excuse to not learn more for our profession, especially because it has been proven by evidence-based practices that cultural competency is needed when working with diverse clients. This is an important concept to remember as a

Among the many issues that face the counseling profession, counseling culturally diverse clients is one of the most challenging. Becoming culturally competent is a road that all counselors must travel in order to be truly effective. In order to successfully travel that road, counselors must have multicultural training with the intended destination being culturally competency. Cultural competence requires trainees to become aware of their own world views, their assumptions of human behavior, their misinformation and lack of knowledge, and most importantly, their biases and their prejudices (Sue & Sue, 2016). Because of the complexity of working with populations from diverse backgrounds, a broad range of counseling theories and research is needed.

“Multicultural counseling/therapy means understanding the worldviews and life experiences of diverse groups in our nation (Sue, 2013).” Consider a Latino male student that has transferred to a predominantly white school and has been referred to the school counselor because his