Multicultural Counseling Learning Modules

Multicultural Counseling Stages of Identity Counseling Techniques Counseling Sessions Resources Cultures

Multicultural Counseling Cultures African Hispanic Caucasian Native American Asian

African American True / False ? z Most studies indicate the African American groups have similar values and family structure. z 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 ? z Mexican-Americans have a lower educational level and literacy rate than Blacks.

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

Native American True / False ? z 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 ? z 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 z Pressure for assimilation/ acculturation z Idealizes White society z Choice of values from dominant group z Racial self-hatred z Self-worth from White perspective z Adopt attitudes of dominant culture

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

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

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

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

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

Multicultural Counseling Counseling Techniques

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

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

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

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

Multicultural Counseling Counseling Sessions

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

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

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