Multi-Cultural Communication in Counseling
COMMUNICATION IN MULTI-CULTURAL COUNSELING
Communication in Multi-Cultural Counseling
Connie Sutton
Grand Canyon University
PCN 509/Social and Cultural Diversity
Susan Lutz, LMFT
October 25, 2010
Introduction Research shows clients from ethnic minority groups are the least likely to make use of counseling services. One explanation for this is that it is an ethnocentric activity, based on the values of the white middle classes, an approach which can alienate those from other cultures. A multicultural approach to counseling challenges the assumption that one style of interviewing is transferable to all clients. This paper examines a theory of multicultural counseling; definitions; and models of multiculturalism; highlighting the implications these have for guidance practitioners.
Theory of multicultural counseling and therapy (MCT) Most career counseling and guidance practitioners would readily acknowledge that each client is unique, and that individual differences must be accepted and respected. However, practice - based on theories taught during initial training and subsequently developed into 'action theories ' in the field - often reflects the assumption that a particular interviewing approach is transferable across a wide range of clients. Multicultural counseling challenges this view. Sue et al (1996) propose a theory of multicultural counseling and therapy (MCT). This is considered necessary because of the inadequacies of current theories informing current counseling practice. These theories operate from both explicit and implicit assumptions that guide their practical application, and so an `assumption audit ' is presented as the starting point for the authors developing MCT as an essential starting point for understanding this new theory.
What is multicultural counseling?
A broad definition of the term 'multiculturalism ' embraces a wide range of
Communication in Multi-Cultural Counseling
Connie Sutton
Grand Canyon University
PCN 509/Social and Cultural Diversity
Susan Lutz, LMFT
October 25, 2010
Introduction Research shows clients from ethnic minority groups are the least likely to make use of counseling services. One explanation for this is that it is an ethnocentric activity, based on the values of the white middle classes, an approach which can alienate those from other cultures. A multicultural approach to counseling challenges the assumption that one style of interviewing is transferable to all clients. This paper examines a theory of multicultural counseling; definitions; and models of multiculturalism; highlighting the implications these have for guidance practitioners.
Theory of multicultural counseling and therapy (MCT) Most career counseling and guidance practitioners would readily acknowledge that each client is unique, and that individual differences must be accepted and respected. However, practice - based on theories taught during initial training and subsequently developed into 'action theories ' in the field - often reflects the assumption that a particular interviewing approach is transferable across a wide range of clients. Multicultural counseling challenges this view. Sue et al (1996) propose a theory of multicultural counseling and therapy (MCT). This is considered necessary because of the inadequacies of current theories informing current counseling practice. These theories operate from both explicit and implicit assumptions that guide their practical application, and so an `assumption audit ' is presented as the starting point for the authors developing MCT as an essential starting point for understanding this new theory.
What is multicultural counseling?
A broad definition of the term 'multiculturalism ' embraces a wide range of
References: Bimrose, J. (1996) Multiculturalism, in Bayne, R., Horton, I. & Bimrose, J. (Eds) New Directions in Counseling, London: Routledge. Bimrose, J.(1998) Increasing Multicultural Competence (1998) in Bayne, R., Nicolson, P. & Horton, I. (Eds) Counseling and Communication Skills for Medical and Health Practitioners, Leicester: BPS. Ivey, A.E. (1994) (3rd edition) Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society, California, Brooks Cole Publishing Ivey, A.E., Ivey, M.B Lago, C. & Thompson, J. (1996) Race, Culture & Counseling Buckingham: Open University Press Pedersen, P.B Ridley, C.R. (1995) Overcoming Unintentional Racism in Counseling and Therapy: a practitioner 's guide to intentional intervention, Thousand Oaks: Sage Sue, D.W Sue, D.W., Ivey, A.I., Pederson, P.B. (1996) A Theory of Multicultural Counseling & Therapy, Pacific Grove:Brooks/Cole Wrenn, C