INITIAL POST: Cultural Identity Development – WEEK 1 /
MODULE 1
The two multicultural competencies that stand out the most to me are
counselor self-awareness and client worldview. The qualities of counselor
self-awareness are more prominent than other competencies in the
counseling profession. As counselors, we must be aware of our thoughts,
attitudes, and beliefs to support our clients adequately. According to Hays
and Erford, self-aware counselors can acknowledge their privileged
backgrounds and how these experiences may have influenced individuals
and communities that differ from their own (Hays & Erford, 2022, p.671).
Self-aware counselors possess the knowledge and skills to develop practical
actions that help them grow and understand diverse cultures. By recognizing
their biases and limitations, they can offer a safe and non-judgmental
environment for their clients to share their experiences and emotions. With
their expertise, self-aware counselors can help their clients navigate through
various challenges and achieve their personal goals. As a counselor in
training, a deep understanding of my client's worldview is one of the most
essential competencies. It is crucial for me to recognize the varying degrees
of privilege and oppression that exist among myself, my clients, and their
family members (Singh et al., 2020). By acknowledging these identities and
their potential influence on the counseling process, I can ensure that the
counseling process is fair and effective (Singh et al., 2020). By recognizing
their identities and potential influence on the counseling process, I can
ensure that all clients receive the support they need to achieve their
personal goals. I believe that developing these competencies is essential for
any counselor to provide the best possible support for their clients .
I find that the most challenging aspect of developing multicultural
competency as a counseling professional is the counseling and advocacy
interventions. Each culture has unique needs that go beyond the basic
needs. As a counselor, I may encounter individuals who have experienced
poverty and trauma, and to be effective, I will need to gain knowledge and
understanding of their experiences. Each culture is unique, but I also
recognize that my lack of knowledge can lead to fear and potential harm. As
such, it is essential to approach each culture with respect, sensitivity, and a
willingness to learn.
The additional Christian principle I would add to Dr. Moitinho's
presentation would be Matthew 7:12 (NIV): "So in everything, do to others
what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the
Prophets" (Bible gateway, 2011). We must demonstrate compassion and
empathy to those who may have failed to do so and take concrete steps to
advocate for marginalized individuals in our communities.
Bible gateway. (2011). . Www.biblegateway.com. Matthew 7:12 NIV - - Bible Gateway
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A12&version=NIV
Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2022). Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A
system approach (4th ed.). Pearson .
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780137474318
Singh, A. A., Appling, B., & Trepal, H. (2020). Using the Multicultural and Social Justice
Counseling Competencies to Decolonize Counseling Practice: The Important Roles of
Theory, Power, and Action. , (3), 261–271. Journal of Counseling & Development 98
https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12321
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CLASSMATE RESPONSE POST #1
Hello Linda,
I am reaching out to express my appreciation for your insightful
discussion post. Your thoughts on multicultural competency and advocacy
challenges resonated strongly with me. As you mentioned, advocating for
positive change on a global level can be daunting. However, it is essential to
recognize our strengths and limitations in order to make a difference in our
communities.
Advocacy involves promoting empowerment and positive change at
various levels, from individual to community to social and political spheres
(Presseau et al., 2018). However, I also share your concern about the
potential for failure or unintended harm when advocating for cultures or
communities different from our own.
It is inspiring to hear that you are committed to making a difference on
a personal level, and I have no doubt that your efforts are positively
impacting the lives of those around you. I appreciate the biblical principle
that you mentioned. I completely agree that having wisdom from loving
oneself is crucial in order to help others learn to love themselves as well. It's
a beautiful way to approach life and relationships, and I think it's a valuable
lesson that we can all learn from. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on
this matter.
Presseau, C., Luu, L. P., Inman, A. G., & DeBlaere, C. (2018). Trainee social justice advocacy:
investigating the roles of training factors and multicultural competence. Counselling
Psychology Quarterly, 32(2), 260–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2018.1476837
CLASSMATE RESPONSE POST #2
Hello Christopher,
I am truly grateful and impressed by your level of honesty and
vulnerability when sharing your concerns about finding the right counselor to
meet your unique needs. I am glad you established a strong, positive
working relationship with your counselor. The therapeutic alliance you
formed with your counselor is an essential aspect of the counseling process,
as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of the therapy and your
overall experience. It is excellent to know that you were able to find a
counselor who could understand your unique needs and perspectives and
work collaboratively with you toward your goals. Counselors must be aware
of the various factors that can influence the counseling relationship, such as
their biases, privileges, values, assumptions, and societal oppressions
(Singh, Nassar et al., 2020). As noted by Singh, Nassar, et al. (2020), being
mindful of these elements can help counselors provide their clients with
more effective and culturally sensitive support.
Developing self-awareness can be a challenging task. Although I do not
possess a military background, I was born into a family that valued honesty
and direct communication. As a family, we always spoke our minds
respectfully and courteously without holding back our feelings, assumptions,
or expectations. This can be difficult, as sometimes my statements may
unintentionally come off as rude or aggressive. It is a learning curve for me
as well, and I am committed to improving my communication skills to ensure
that my interactions are always professional and appropriate.
Singh, A. A., Nassar, S. C., Arredondo, P., & Toporek, R. (2020). The Past Guides the Future:
Implementing the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies. Journal of
Counseling & Development, 98(3), 238–252. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12319
