Multiculturalism Psychology And Multicultural Counseling

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In my assignment essay below, I will focus on what multiculturalism mean in psychology and discuss the following topics, one of the topics will be the definition of multicultural counseling and the definition of knowledge and sensitivity regarding multicultural counseling. I will be giving a definition and explanation on what multicultural counseling awareness is and discuss the criticism on the following statement “The western perspectives has emphasized cultural awareness within counseling sessions. However, the western multicultural counseling has placed less emphasis on systemic social change strategies and social justice. It has emphasized issues of race and ethnicity over other social identity variables such as gender, sexual orientation, and religion class and disability status.” Will I agree or disagree to the above criticism? Continue reading to find out.

According to University of Rhode Island Department of Psychology, the definition of multiculturalism in psychology “is the systematic study of affect, cognition and behavior. Multicultural Psychology is the systematic study of how culture influences affect, cognition, and behaviour. In other words, Multicultural Psychology is about how culture influences the way people feel, think, and act. Multicultural Psychology also considers internal (e.g., within the individual) and external (e.g., the impact of relationships, social, institutional, structural, and community) factors when seeking to understand how culture affects psychological processes, well-being, and mental health. “In this manner, in my possess understanding, multiculturalism alludes to a progressed see in which differing qualities and encounters of distinctive racial and ethnic groups are true. According to the web page https://psychology.iresearchnet.com, Multiculturalism in psychology is a study that emphasizes respect for the life experiences and cultural values of diverse individuals and groups as a fundamental principle of assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

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In counseling psychology, in particular, multiculturalism emphasizes respect for life experiences and cultural values of diverse individuals and groups. Multiculturalism also values the dignity, human rights and diversity amongst people. Multiculturalism moreover values the nobility, human rights and differing qualities among individuals. Psychologist work and connect with people from all assorted ‘walks of life” and in this way they are energized to be mindful of issues related to all levels of multiculturalism in their education, training, research and practice . In this manner, it is imperative for multicultural Psychologists to be watchful of their convictions, demeanor’s and their effect on the people whom they work . Therefore, it is important for multicultural psychologists to be vigilant of their beliefs, attitudes and their impact on the individuals whom they work with, to be sensitive and aware at all times. It is the ability of any Psychologist to approach counseling through the client’s world. Therefore, the counselors own cultural values should not take precedence of the client and must focus on the influence of contextual variables such as race or ethnicity on human functioning of their client in their diverse societies.

Multicultural counseling awareness would be when counselors and individuals challenge themselves to form a greater understanding , sensitivity and appreciation of the history , values and life experiences of groups that include aspects as race , ethnicity , gender , sexual orientation, religious affiliation , mental and physical abilities and socio-economic status . To be more educated about each other and to know each other’s “walk of life ‘. Hereby multicultural Counseling awareness will result in counsellors taking more risks in growth in multicultural growth, and to challenge them to know from client’s point of views. to possess the knowledge and understanding to be able to assist all clients with sensitivity on all aspects ( race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation )of their lives supported all factors ( religious affiliation, mental and physical abilities and socio-economic status ) involved and taking their culture and history into consideration to form harmony and healing for your clients.

Cultural knowledge is to have the knowledge about some cultural characteristics, history, values, beliefs and behaviors of another ethnic or cultural group. It is important that culturally skilled counsellors need to have a clear and explicit knowledge and understanding of the generic characteristics of counselling and therapy values of various minority groups. The counselors need to be aware of institutional barriers that prevent minorities from using behavioral health services, therefor it is important that counselors know of the potential biases in assessment instruments, use procedures, and interpret findings in keeping with the cultural and linguistic characteristics of clients.

Culturally sensitive therapy emphasizes the Counsellors understanding of a client’s background, ethnicity, and belief system. Counselors can incorporate cultural sensitivity into their work to accommodate and respect differences in opinions, values, and attitudes of various cultures and different types of clients they work with. It is important that skilled counsellors has to respect clients’ religious and/or spiritual beliefs and values, including attributions and taboos, because they affect worldview, psychosocial functioning, and expressions of distress. It is also important that skilled counsellors respect traditional helping practices in smaller communities. Language should be valued and not view as an impediment to counselling.

The cultural counsellor must be knowledgeable about their client’s attitudes and beliefs about the therapeutic process in order to select the most appropriate interventions. Counselors should also be aware of the potential limitation of evidence-based therapies by effectively looking into the needs of their clients and their backgrounds. Counselors should also educate clients about the processes of psychological intervention, explaining such elements as goals, expectations, legal rights, and the counselor’s theoretical orientation.

Counselors should be aware of societal figures of speech and phrases that could trigger ethnic minority groups. When counsellors communicate, they should be aware of Culture-specific verbal and non-verbal aspects, such as gestures, body language, personal space, ect.

It is important that Counsellors incorporate client’s values and beliefs in the treatment process. Culturally skilled counselors are not against seeking consultation with traditional healer, religious or spiritual leader when appropriate.

Counsellors can use institutional intervention skills on behalf of their clients. They are able to help clients determine whether a problem stems from racism or bias in others (the concept of health paranoia), so that clients do not wrongly personalize problems.

Counselors should constantly be aware of how their own attitudes and beliefs influences their perception of the client, the client is presenting problem, and the counseling relationship of rapport. The counselor should be self-aware and sensitive when discussing matters of oppression, sexism, elitism, and racism and should work to eliminate biases, prejudices, and discriminatory practices. Therefore, a counsellor must be willing to acknowledge the limitations of their own cultural competency and expertise in practice with their culturally diverse client.

To conclude the topic I would like to discuss the following criticism of western counseling perspectives: The western perspectives has emphasized cultural awareness within counseling sessions. However, the western multicultural counseling has placed less emphasis on systemic social change strategies and social justice. It has emphasized issues of race and ethnicity over other social identity variables such as gender, sexual orientation, and religion class and disability status. To the statement I hereby disagree, as you can see in my essay above multicultural counseling has placed an overall emphasis on the background, ethnicity, and belief system. Counselors can incorporate cultural sensitivity into their work to accommodate and respect differences in opinions, values, and attitudes of various cultures and different types of clients they work with. They also strive to be self-aware and sensitive when discussing matters of oppression, sexism, elitism, and racism and proceed to eliminate biases, prejudices, and discriminatory in their practices. 

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