Essay On Cultural Competence

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Recommended: Multicultural education and education intervation

Cultural competence is an overlooked, yet, essential skill, in all professions-especially mental health. The American Psychological Association (2002) addresses multicultural groups as those of biracial, multiethnic, and multiracial individuals, families, and children (American Psychological Association, 2002). This standard outlines groups of people who share varying differences in culture from those of European-American decent. Distinguishing those of diverse backgrounds entails clinicians to not only educate themselves on the essence of each culture, but to practice multiculturalism in a personal manner according to client needs. The information that research and practice has uncovered, offers the field of psychology with a bases for rapport and cultural sensitivity. Nonetheless, I believe the beauty in cultural competence and multiculturalism is found in the …show more content…

In my opinion, a culturally diverse clinician is one who desires to learn about a client(s) traditions, morals, values, language, etc. This conclusion allows me to reflect on Rebecca Clay’s (2017) article “Cultural competence is key”, as the author points out specific recommendations for psychologist when working with refugees and other individuals who have fled from their homeland (Clay, 2017, p.38). Clay (2017) advises building competence by reaching out to the serviced community, understanding the sociopolitical context of the homeland, and current settled area (Clay, 2017, p.38). I believe this method of research provides an proficient framework for obtaining a level of competency in a specific group of people. In addition, I would urge a clinician to further explore the individual struggles of migration, along with the personal gains, goals, etc. I believe cultural competency begins with recognizing that each culture produces a subculture, which affects each individual in different

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