Why Multicultural Counseling is Essential to the Success of Today’s Therapist (www.alliant.edu)

If you aspire to become a successful, well-rounded counselor in today’s increasingly diverse world, it’s necessary that you become familiar with the concept of multiculturalism in counseling.

Your counseling career may lead you to foreign countries or you may work with diverse populations within your own communities. Either way, our increasingly globalized societies necessitate mental health professionals who are trained in multicultural education.  An education like our marriage and family therapy programs at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University.

What is Multicultural Counseling and its Definition?

Multicultural counseling characterizes the counseling practice that offers effective interventions to culturally diverse clients. Race, ethnicity, and culture influence a client’s identity and life circumstances. Other factors, such as gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion, and ability may also play into the context of a given client’s mental health, and relational or personal issues.

A culturally competent counselor considers all aspects of a client’s worldview when selecting treatment approaches. The counselor also remains aware of his or her own personal biases, beliefs, and attitudes while providing services.