CHAPTER 2 THE SUPERORDINATE NATURE OF MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING AND THERAPY

Themes From the Difficult Dialogue Cultural universality (etic) versus cultural relativism (emic) Emotional consequences of race Inclusive versus exclusive nature of multiculturalism Sociopolitical nature of counseling/therapy Nature of multicultural counseling competence

Tripartite Framework Individual level Group level Universal level

Tripartite Framework Model

What is MCT? Multicultural counseling therapy (MCT): broadens the roles that counselors play; uses modalities and defines goals that are consistent with the racial, cultural, gender, and sexual orientation background of clients; acknowledges the individual, group, and universal levels of identity; utilizes culture-specific strategies of helping balances an individualist approach with the collective reality of clients of color; and assumes a dual role with clients (therapist and advocate.

What Is Cultural Competence? “Cultural competence is the ability to engage in actions or create conditions that maximize the optimal development of client and client systems. It is the acquisition of awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to function effectively in a pluralistic democratic society (ability to communicate, interact, negotiate, and intervene on behalf of clients from diverse backgrounds), and on an organizational/societal level, advocating effectively to develop new theories, practices, policies, and organizational structures that are more responsive to all groups.”

Three Competencies Competency One: Therapist’s awareness of one’s own assumptions, values, and biases Competency Two: Understanding the worldview of culturally diverse clients Competency Three: Developing appropriate intervention strategies and techniques

Multidimensional Model of Cultural Competence in Counseling Dimension I: Group-Specific Worldviews Dimension II: Components of Cultural Competence Dimension III: Foci of Therapeutic Interventions (Individual, Professional, Organizational, Societal)

Implications for Counseling Realize that you are a product of cultural conditioning and that you are not immune from inheriting biases associated with culturally diverse groups in our society. Be aware that persons of color, gays/lesbians, women, and other groups may perceive mental illness/health and the healing process differently from the traditional Euro- American. Be aware that Euro-American healing standards originate from a cultural context and represent only one form of helping that exists on an equal plane with others.

Implications for Counseling Realize that the concept of cultural competence is more inclusive and superordinate than is the traditional definition of clinical competence. Realize that organizational/societal policies, practices, and structures may represent oppressive obstacles that prevent equal access and opportunity. If that is the case, systems intervention is most appropriate. Use modalities that are consistent with the lifestyles and cultural systems of clients.