Chapter 4Counseling in a Multicultural

and Diverse Society

Why do we need to learn multicultural counseling?

• Why do counselors need to know cultures?

• Do you think cultural issues are sensitive?

• Does the majority of Americans have the same culture? How about other ethnic groups?

Counselors cannot avoid addressing cultures.

Defining Culture and Multicultural Counseling

• Culture• ethnographic variables• demographic variables• status variables

Defining Culture and Multicultural Counseling

• Culture • any group of people who identify or

associate with one another for some common purpose, need, or similarity of background

• Multicultural counseling • counseling in which the counselor and

client differ in terms of culture and/or worldview.

Defining Culture and Multicultural Counseling

• Two perspectives:

Etic -------------------- Emicperspective

perspective(culturally (culturally generalizable) specific)

History of Multicultural Counseling

• Before 1970, only 8.5% of the most frequently cited books were published.

• Gilbert Wrenn (1962) described the culturally encapsulated counselor.

History of Multicultural Counseling

• The Association for Non-white Concerns in Personnel and Guidance (ANWC) – a division of the ACA – was founded in 1972.• The ANWC was later changed to the

Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD).

• The AMCD publishes the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development.

• The AMCD sponsors conferences.

Difficulties in Multicultural Counseling

• Overculturalizing • Language • Nonverbal behaviors• Racism• Acculturation

• the process of cultural change as a result of the contact between two or more cultures

Issues in Multicultural Counseling

• The dominance of theories based on European/North American cultural values• the value of individuals• action-oriented approach to problem-

solving• the scientific method• an emphasis on rigid time schedules

Issues in Multicultural Counseling

• Cultural sensitivity• Guidelines for effective counseling

across cultures:• recognize their own values and beliefs• aware of the cultural and generic

qualities of counseling theories• sociopolitical environment• able to share the worldview of clients• able to apply various counseling skills

Issues in Multicultural Counseling

• Development and employment of counseling theories• Cultural bias• Integrating cultural awareness

into training• Explanations of existing theories

and their applicability to certain populations and problems

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups

• Between-group differences• Within-group differences• Uniqueness

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups

• Five main cultural groups• European Americans (69%)• African Americans (13%)• Hispanics/Latinos (13.5%)• Asian and Pacific Islander

Americans (4%)• Native Americans (1%)[Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2003)]

Projected Population of the U.S. by Race (U.S. Census Bureau, 2004)

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Year

Pe

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.Black alone

.Asian Alone

.All other races

.Hispanic (of anyrace)

.White

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups

European Americans• Cultural heritages• Relatively more homogeneous• Worldview:

• values linear, analytical, empirical, task solutions

• individualism, autonomy, independence

> group performance

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups

African Americans• Negative stereotypes• Relinquish independence• Unequal relationships• Collective emphasis

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural GroupsHispanics/Latinos• Heterogeneous people whose

ancestors come from the Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas

• May be reluctant to use counseling services

• May perceive psychological problems as physical problems

• May expect counselors to be directive

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural GroupsAsian and Pacific Islander Americans

(Asian Americans)• Heterogeneous• Model minority• Religious traditions• Psychosomatic symptoms are

common• May expect counselors to be directive

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups

Native Americans• 478 tribes recognized by the U.S.

Bureau of Indian Affairs plus another 52 tribes without official status

• Very diverse: 149 languages• Value harmony with nature,

cooperation, holism, present-concern, reliance on one’s extended family

• Historical influence

Counseling Considerations with Specific Cultural Groups

Native Americans• Existential approaches of counseling• Acculturation• Creative arts• Storytelling• Meet with tribal leaders and elders• Extended family

Aged Populations• The aged => 65• 13% in 2000, 21% in 2030• Receiving less services• Common problems

- grief, loneliness- empty nest- financial problems

Aged Populations

Counseling the Aged• older people do not receive much

attention from mental health providers because of:• a lack of understanding• the investment syndrome• the irrational fear of aging

Aged Populations

• Approach• Treat the aged as adults and with

respect.• Modify the attitudes of society.

Gender-Based Counseling

• Counseling Women• Primary consumers of counseling• Major concerns

• Concerns in counseling women• Theories• Sexism – counterproductive

Gender-Based Counseling

• Issues and theories of counseling women• Feminist theory

• Emphasizes equality in the counseling relationship

• Emphasizes sociopolitical action

Gender-Based Counseling

• Counseling Men• Traditional sex roles• Internalizing emotions• Less help-seeking

• Issues and theories• Exploring feelings• Interpersonal learning in groups

Counseling and Sexual Orientation

• Counseling with• Gays/Lesbians/Bisexuals/

Transgenders (GLBT)• Family and peer relations• Isolation• Coming out• AIDS

Counseling and Spirituality

• Spirituality • refers to a unique, personally

meaningful experience of a transcendent dimension that is associated with wholeness and wellness.

• Examples