A Redefinition of Multicultural Counseling

Abstract

Training multiculturally competent counselors has become a timely topic, but what underlying philosophical assumptions shape this issue? The multicultural movement has indeed contributed to our greater and much needed understanding and appreciation of the real differences among racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. The current focus on the influence of the cultural background of the individual, however, need not be at the expense of the equally important influences of individual differences and human universal tenets. The new decade for multi‐culturalism calls for balance. This article attempts to redefine multicultural counseling using an Afrocentric, holistic, optimal theory that views individuals as unique manifestations of spirit, thus sharing a common core. From this perspective, all counseling is multicultural. Multicultural counseling competencies are then reconceptualized as fundamental counseling skills achieved through self‐knowledge and a shift in worldview. As the counselor brings into conscious awareness the various aspects of himself or herself, he or she becomes aware of the universal interconnectedness and interdependence of all life. With this new holistic worldview, the differences among people take on a new meaning. This article explores the consequences of an alternate worldview on the way we conceptualize multiculturalism. The implications of this redefinition of multicultural counseling for training, practice, and research are explored. El entrenamiento de consejeros multiculturalmente competentes ha llegado a ser un tema oportuno¿ pero cuáles son las asunciones filosóficas que dan forma a este asunto? El movimiento multicultural sí ha contribuido a nuestro entendimiento y a la apreciación de las diferencias verdaderas entre grupos raciales, étnicos, y culturales. Sin embargo, el enfoque general de la influencia de la historia cultural del individuo no tiene que ser a costa de las influencias igualmente importantes de diferencias indiviudales y credos humanos universales. La nueva decada de multiculturalismo exige un balance. Este articulo intenta redefinir la consejería multicultural utilizando un teoria afrocéntrica, holística, y óptima que ve a los individuos como manifestaciones únicas del espíritu, compartiendo una esencia común. Desde está perspectiva, toda la consejería es multicultural. Se reconceptualizan las competencias de consejería multicultural como talentos fundamentales de consejería adquiridos por un auto‐conocimiento y un cambio de visión universal. Mientras el consejero lleva varios aspectos de sí mismo al consciente, él o ella se da cuenta de la interconexión e interdependencia universal de todos los seres. Con esta nueva visión universal holística, las diferencias entre la gente llega a tener un significado nuevo. Este articulo explora las consecuencias de una visión universal alternativa de como conceptualizamos el multiculturalismo. Se investigan las implicaciones de esta redifinición de consejería multicultural en entrenamiento, práctica, e investigación.

Providing effective counselling services to Australia's ethnic minority groups

“…Thus, counsellors foster a developing counselling relationship only if they focus on the 'humanness' that connects all individuals, thereby suggesting that cultural differences between counsellors and clients are unimportant (Speight et al 1991). Other proponents of the etic approach, while acknowledging the importance of culture in developing one's identity, have attempted to identify common principles in counselling practice which transcend cultural variations (Sue and Zane 1987, p.40).…”

“…The etic approach -Universal counselling principles Speight, Myers, Cox and Highlen (1991) describe Vontress as pioneering the etic approach in cross-cultural counselling by emphasising the commonalities between people rather than their differences (p.31). Thus, counsellors foster a developing counselling relationship only if they focus on the 'humanness' that connects all individuals, thereby suggesting that cultural differences between counsellors and clients are unimportant (Speight et al 1991).…”

Applying Cultural Competency in Clinical Practice: Findings from Multicultural Experts' Experience

“…In recent decades, the training of culturally competent practitioners and the issues of competency-based assessment and education have become timely topics in the helping professions, but what underlying philosophical assumptions have shaped this issue (Speight, Myers, Cox, & Highlen, 1991)? Before one can begin to address such a complex matter, a basic question should be explored: What is cultural competency?…”

Issues in Counseling Immigrant College Students

“…However, the focus has been on American minority groups who differ from what is considered to be typically American but who live within the American culture and have a solid position within the context of their own culture (e.g., Dobbins & Skillings, 1991;Mokuau, 1987;Pederson, 1991;Speight, Myers, Cox, & Highler, 1991;Westbrook & Sedlacek 1991). For immigrants, cultural differences often are more extreme.…”