Multicultural Biases Essay

Multiculturalism in counseling is a huge factor that can impact their techniques, therapies, interventions etc. There are three dimensions in order for a counselor to avoid multicultural biases. These include, self awareness, understanding/knowledge and skill in using and developing counseling therapies and interventions that are appropriate. In order for a counselor to avoid any multicultural biases, a counselor has to first be aware of his or her own cultural values and biases. The counselors attitudes and beliefs are important for their own cultural self-awareness and how they feel about their own cultural background. Counselors must be aware of their own heritage and experiences and recognize how they have influenced their own values, ideals,

Counselors must also have knowledge of communication differences, whether it is through language, body language, etc. and how it may conflict or even help with the counseling. In order for counselors to avoid multi cultural biases they must also have certain knowledge about the specific group that they are working with. Secondly, Counselors have to be aware of the life experiences, cultural heritage, and historical background of not just themselves but of their clients. The counselor also has to be aware of the client’s view of the world objectively. They also have to be aware of the negative or positive reactions towards different ethnic groups may affect the counseling. The counselor has to be nonjudgmental and be mindful with clients who have a different cultural background where their values and beliefs may differ. Counselors have to have the knowledge about how immigration issues, poverty, racism and stereotyping may impact self esteem and self concept may affect ethnic and racial minorities during the counseling process. Religion also comes into play when it comes to multicultural biases and the counselor must have knowledge of their clients beliefs