Chapter 4 Counseling in a Multicultural and Diverse Society

Why do we need to learn multicultural counseling? Why do counselors need to know cultures? Do you think cultural issues are sensitive? Does the majority of Americans have the same culture? How about other ethnic groups?  Counselors cannot avoid addressing cultures.

Defining Culture and Multicultural Counseling Culture ethnographic variables demographic variables status variables

Defining Culture and Multicultural Counseling Culture any group of people who identify or associate with one another for some common purpose, need, or similarity of background Multicultural counseling counseling in which the counselor and client differ in terms of culture and/or worldview.

Defining Culture and Multicultural Counseling Two perspectives: Etic Emic perspective (culturally generalizable) specific)

History of Multicultural Counseling Before 1970, only 8.5% of the most frequently cited books were published. Gilbert Wrenn (1962) described the culturally encapsulated counselor.

History of Multicultural Counseling The Association for Non-white Concerns in Personnel and Guidance (ANWC) – a division of the ACA – was founded in The ANWC was later changed to the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD). The AMCD publishes the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development. The AMCD sponsors conferences.

Difficulties in Multicultural Counseling Overculturalizing Language Nonverbal behaviors Racism Acculturation the process of cultural change as a result of the contact between two or more cultures

Issues in Multicultural Counseling The dominance of theories based on European/North American cultural values the value of individuals action-oriented approach to problem- solving the scientific method an emphasis on rigid time schedules

Issues in Multicultural Counseling Cultural sensitivity Guidelines for effective counseling across cultures: recognize their own values and beliefs aware of the cultural and generic qualities of counseling theories sociopolitical environment able to share the worldview of clients able to apply various counseling skills

Issues in Multicultural Counseling Development and employment of counseling theories Cultural bias Integrating cultural awareness into training Explanations of existing theories and their applicability to certain populations and problems

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups Between-group differences Within-group differences Uniqueness

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups Five main cultural groups European Americans (69%) African Americans (13%) Hispanics/Latinos (13.5%) Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (4%) Native Americans (1%) [Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2003)]

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups European Americans Cultural heritages Relatively more homogeneous Worldview: values linear, analytical, empirical, task solutions individualism, autonomy, independence > group performance

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups African Americans Negative stereotypes Relinquish independence Unequal relationships Collective emphasis

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups Hispanics/Latinos Heterogeneous people whose ancestors come from the Spanish- speaking countries of the Americas May be reluctant to use counseling services May perceive psychological problems as physical problems May expect counselors to be directive

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (Asian Americans) Heterogeneous Model minority Religious traditions Psychosomatic symptoms are common May expect counselors to be directive

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups Native Americans 478 tribes recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs plus another 52 tribes without official status Very diverse: 149 languages Value harmony with nature, cooperation, holism, present-concern, reliance on one’s extended family Historical influence

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups Native Americans Existential approaches of counseling Acculturation Creative arts Storytelling Meet with tribal leaders and elders Extended family

Aged Populations The aged => 65 13% in 2000, 21% in 2030 Receiving less services Common problems - grief, loneliness - empty nest - financial problems

Aged Populations Counseling the Aged older people do not receive much attention from mental health providers because of: a lack of understanding the investment syndrome the irrational fear of aging

Aged Populations Approach Treat the aged as adults and with respect. Modify the attitudes of society.

Gender-Based Counseling Counseling Women Primary consumers of counseling Major concerns Concerns in counseling women Theories Sexism – counterproductive

Gender-Based Counseling Issues and theories of counseling women Feminist theory Emphasizes equality in the counseling relationship Emphasizes sociopolitical action

Gender-Based Counseling Counseling Men Traditional sex roles Internalizing emotions Less help-seeking Issues and theories Exploring feelings Interpersonal learning in groups

Counseling and Sexual Orientation Counseling with Gays/Lesbians/Bisexuals/ Transgenders (GLBT) Family and peer relations Isolation Coming out AIDS

Counseling and Spirituality Spirituality refers to a unique, personally meaningful experience of a transcendent dimension that is associated with wholeness and wellness. Examples