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.
Tag: Multiculturalism & Diversity
Multiculturalism & Diversity
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.”
Counselors share the lessons they’ve learned along the way in their efforts to translate the ideal of multicultural competence into practical action.
The Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies provide a framework to best support survivors of sexual violence not simply on the intrapersonal level but on all socio-ecological levels.
Counselor educators, counseling students and professional counselors in the community have meaningful roles to play in addressing acts of hate on college campuses.
Misconceptions abound about religious minorities in Western societies, but counselors can take the lead in widening the tent and welcoming those of other faith traditions.
Helping clients experience peace as the end of life approaches involves understanding and processing the lived experiences and aspects of identity that have shaped them.