NCE Social & Cultural Diversity

What is cultural competence in counseling?

The ability to understand, respect, and effectively work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, integrating their values, beliefs, and experiences into counseling

What are the three components of the Multicultural Counseling Competencies?

1. Awareness of one’s own cultural biases

2. Knowledge of clients’ cultural backgrounds

3. Skills to apply culturally appropriate interventions

Define acculturation in the context of counseling

The process by which individuals adopt elements of a new culture while retaining aspects of their original culture, impacting identity and adjustment

What is intersectionality, and why is it important in counseling?

The interplay of multiple social identities (e.g., race, gender, sexuality) that shape a client’s experiences. It helps counselors understand unique challenges and systemic oppression

What is the social justice perspective in counseling?

An approach that addresses systemic inequalities, advocates for marginalized clients, and promotes equitable resources and opportunities

What is microaggression, and how does it impact clients?

Subtle, unintentional slights or insults based on a client’s identity (e.g., race, gender) that can create a hostile environment and harm therapeutic rapport

How does privilege influence the counseling process?

Privilege (e.g., based on race, class, or gender) can create blind spots for counselors, requiring self-awareness to avoid assumptions and ensure equitable treatment

What is cultural encapsulation?

When counselors impose their own cultural values on clients, ignoring or misunderstanding the client’s cultural context, leading to ineffective counseling

What is the Racial/Cultural Identity Development (R/CID) model?

A model describing stages (e.g., conformity, dissonance, resistance, introspection, integrative awareness) of how individuals develop racial or cultural identity

How does worldview affect the counseling relationship?

A client’s worldview, shaped by culture, values, and experiences, influences their perceptions and expectations, requiring counselors to adapt interventions accordingly

What is the role of self-awareness in multicultural counseling?

Counselors must recognize their own biases, stereotypes, and cultural assumptions to avoid harm and provide culturally sensitive care

What is ethnocentrism, and why is it problematic in counseling?

Judging other cultures by the standards of one’s own culture, which can lead to misunderstanding, bias, and ineffective counseling

What are collectivist vs. individualist cultures?

Collectivist cultures prioritize group harmony and interdependence (e.g., family, community); individualist cultures emphasize personal autonomy and individualistic cultures emphasize personal autonomy and independence

How does the ACA Code of Ethics address diversity?

It mandates the respect for clients’ cultural identities, prohibits discrimination, and requires counselors to develop multiracial competence (Standard A.4.b).

What is cultural humility?

A lifelong commitment to self-reflection, openness, and learning about clients’ cultures, acknowledging power imbalances and valuing client perspectives

What is the ADDRESSING model?

A framework to assess clients’ identities: Age, Disability, Disability (acquired), Religion, Ethnicity, Sexual orientation, Socioeconomic status, Indigenous heritage, National origin, Gender

How should counselors address language barriers with clients?

Use professional interpreters, ensure clear communication, and adapt interventions to respect the cleint’s language and cultural context

What is the impact of systemic oppression on clients?

Systemic oppression (e.g., racism, sexism) can lead to trauma, limited access to resources, and mistrust in counseling, requiring advocacy and sensitivity

What is biculturalism?

The ability to navigate and intergrade two cultural identities, which may influence a client’s values, behaviors, and counseling needs

How does social advocacy relate to multicultural counseling?

Counselors advocate for systemic change to address barriers (e.g., discrimination, inequality) that impact clients’ mental health and access to service