MHS6420 Midterm

ACA Multicultural Counseling Competencies Revision

1. Counselor self-awareness (aware of their social identities, social group statuses, power, privilege, oppression)

2. Client worldview (are aware of clients' worldview, assumptions, attitudes, values, beliefs, biases, social identities, social group statuses)

3. Counseling advocacy and interventions (Assist privileged and marginalized clients develop critical consciousness by understanding their situation in context of living in an oppressive society)

Health disparities - definition

A particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental factors

Health disparities - causes

Genetics, access to care, poor quality of care, community features (e.g., inadequate access to healthy foods, poverty, limited personal support systems and violence), environmental conditions (e.g., poor air quality), language barriers and health behaviors.

Health disparities - examples

Ex: Black people have higher rates of high blood pressure and tend to develop this diagnosis at an earlier age than other racial groups. Similarly, Black and Hispanic people are more likely to suffer strokes.

Broaching - definition and continuum

initiating conversations about sensitive topics in counseling. The continuum varies from direct to indirect approaches

Broaching - your broaching style

Establishing Trust, Assessment of Readiness, Cultural Sensitivity, Gradual Approach

Cost of racism for people of color

disparities in healthcare access, treatment, and outcomes.

economic disparities, including wage gaps, limited job opportunities, and higher rates of unemployment

unequal access to quality schools, resources, and opportunities

Chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma

Cost of racism for White people

The delusion of White superiority and individuality such that Whites cannot see themselves as White and can deny racism because they are "individuals"

Fear is one common emotion that Whites possess. Whites may have an irrational sense of danger or of not being safe around people of color. Anger.

The loss of relationships with either people of color or other Whites.

ACA Advocacy Competencies

(a) client/student empowerment

(b) client/student advocacy

(c) community collaboration

(d) systems advocacy

(e) public information

(f) social/political advocacy

The micro level

Consists of client/student empowerment (acting with) and client/student advocacy (acting on behalf).

On this level, professional counselors work with clients to identify strengths aiding, and barriers hindering, their optimal development. Professional counselors assist clients in removing barriers and practicing self-advocacy. In addition, clients can develop and implement action plans in their lives to facilitate growth and development

The middle level

Consists of community collaboration (acting with) and systems advocacy (acting on behalf)

In this realm, professional counselors can act as allies by identifying other supportive agencies and resources available to clients. Data gathering and presentation are essential to collaborate with community stakeholders and analyze efforts. At this level, professional counselors work to identify the systems that affect the wellness of their clients and to help clients navigate those systems to their benefit whenever possible

The macro level

Consists of public information (acting with) and social/political advocacy (acting on behalf).

This arena may include lobbying at the local, state, and national political levels. It also may include the dissemination of information through media campaigns and educative efforts. At this level, professional counselors work with clients and communities to

Three social systems that influence clients

Religion, government, and family