Multicultural Approach to Counseling

-Discuss the ethical need for a multicultural approach to counseling.
-Why is this important to counselors?
-Describe several of the competencies related to multicultural counseling. (use apa articles for support)
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National Association of Social Workers (NASW) state in their code of ethics that “Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice” (NASW Preamble). In section 1.05 Cultural Competence and Social Diversity, the NASW states:

(a) “Social workers should understand culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures” (NASW).

(b) “Social workers should have a knowledge base of their clients’ cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to clients’ cultures and to differences among people and cultural groups” (NASW).

(c) “Social workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability” (NASW).

Similarly, but with less concentration on multiculturalism and diversity, the AMHCA specifically states “Mental health counselors will actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the clients with whom they work. This includes learning how the mental health counselor’s own cultural/ethical/racial/religious identity impacts his or her own values and beliefs about the counseling process” (AMHCA).

Under ACA section B.1. Respecting Client Rights, subsection B.1.a. Multicultural/Diversity Considerations, the ACA …