Despite its emphasis on cultural competency, the counseling profession faces a daunting challenge in trying to meet the fast-growing demand for bilingual and bicultural services.
Tag: Multiculturalism & Diversity
Multiculturalism & Diversity
If counselors are truly committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, it is time to challenge the status quo rather than remain silently complicit.
A conversation between two counselors of different backgrounds opens up a dialogue about race, systemic issues, client care and possible steps for moving the profession forward.
Counselors can help clients heal from racial trauma and take steps to intervene in the racist systems that negatively affect the mental health of Black Americans.
Given the rapidly evolving double pandemic of COVID-19 and the continued exposure of Black people to institutionalized racism, ACA wants to be clear about where we stand and the ongoing actions we will take. As proactive leaders, counselors, mentors, supervisors, scholars, and trainers we will break away from this structure of racism trauma, and the violence born on the necks of Black people.
“Focusing primarily on the race of the provider and the client, while valid, is an approach that does not consider the system itself, the functions of the diagnosis, and its structurally developed links to protest, resistance, racism and other associations that work against the therapeutic connection.”
“Frankly, I’d rather see graduate programs drop a personality theory class or something else and add a second or third required course on diversity. In one semester, I can only introduce the topic. Competence is still far from the reach of these young clinicians.”
As counselors committed to improving social justice, promoting growth, supporting healing, and championing thriving, we offer a pathway to consider a more informed perspective and tools for advocacy.
For many immigrants, both their journey to and their experiences in the United States can be traumatizing, but they are unlikely to access help from counselors unless counselors themselves work to mitigate some of the barriers.
Counselors share the lessons they’ve learned along the way in their efforts to translate the ideal of multicultural competence into practical action.