Multicultural Counseling Learning Modules

Multicultural Counseling Cultures Stages of Identity Counseling Techniques Counseling Sessions Resources

Multicultural Counseling Asian Native American African Hispanic Caucasian Cultures

African American True / False ? Most studies indicate the African American groups have similar values and family structure. What year did Martin Luther King, Jr. present the famous “I have a Dream” address in Washington D.C.? Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hispanic American True / False ? Mexican-Americans have a lower educational level and literacy rate than Blacks.

Caucasian American True / False ? Most Caucasian Americans have learned about other cultures from their own families and share similar beliefs. The Caucasian population will continue to be the dominant population in America. True False

Native American True / False ? The Native American behaves differently from non-Native Americans because of the poverty in which the great majority of Native Americans live.

Asian American True / False ? The incidence of poverty among elderly Chinese is much higher than it is for elderly African Americans and Spanish-speaking populations.

Multicultural Counseling Stages of Identity

Stage I: Conformity Pressure for assimilation/ acculturation Idealizes White society Choice of values from dominant group Racial self-hatred Self-worth from White perspective Adopt attitudes of dominant culture

Stage I: Conformity Counseling Implications Identity exploration not comfortable May prefer problem solving approach May see majority therapist as desirable May become dependent on therapist Wants to please/gain approval Positive attempts to assimilate

Stage II: Dissonance Breakdown of denial system Questions dominant culture values Triggers self-exploration Begins to see positives of own group Growing sense of comradeship Mixed feelings=pride, shame at sell out Confusion about self-concept

Stage II: Dissonance Counseling Implications Encourage self-exploration Counselor needs knowledge of client’s group May still prefer White counselor but minority counselors generally more knowledgeable

Stage III: Resistance/Immersion Begins to understand prejudice forces Anger at perceived cultural oppression Rejects values of dominant culture Guilt/shame at having sold out in past Suspicion/mistrust of dominant group

Stage III: Resistance/Immersion Counseling Implications Prefer same group counselor Will test a dominant group counselor Don’t get defensive/personalize attacks Can attack same group counselor too Self-discovery, self-esteem Action oriented approach aimed at external change/relating to both groups

Multicultural Counseling Counseling Techniques

Culturally Skilled Therapists What beliefs and attitudes, knowledge and skills do you think a culturally skilled therapist should have?

Culturally Skilled Therapists Beliefs and Attitudes Being aware of one's own beliefs, attitudes, and biases, realizing these influence one's work with clients from other cultures. Developing an appreciation for diverse cultures and an attitude of comfort and challenge when working with diverse clients. Being sensitive to one's limits of competence when working with clients from different cultures.

Culturally Skilled Therapists Knowledge Understanding the history, traditions, and values of their clients' culture. Being aware of different cultures' views of mental health, chemical dependency counseling, adjustment, and helping. Developing sensitivity to institutional barriers and prejudices that impinge on clients from different cultures.

Culturally Skilled Therapists Skills Being flexible in utilizing approaches that are compatible with the cultures of clients with whom they are working. Communicating effectively with clients by using appropriate language and nonverbal behaviors. Being familiar with referral sources, agencies, and programs that are appropriate for clients from different backgrounds and cultures.

Multicultural Counseling Counseling Sessions

Counseling Sessions What is your age and experience? Do you have experience working with Hispanic clients? I’m not here to teach someone. I’m here to get help. Session Video

Counseling Sessions What is the importance of an ideal match between a counselor and client?

Resources Multicultural Issues International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP)