Multicultural counseling

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1. Bill has been in the counseling profession for close to 40 years. When he began his career,
there were just two specialty areas: school counseling and mental health counseling. There
was no CACREP accreditation, no certification, and no licensing. Multicultural counseling
was barely ever mentioned and advocacy work was not part of the field. Bill is a really nice
guy, but a bit of a dinosaur in the profession.
His friend, Esther, has also been in the profession for the same amount of time. However, she
has kept up with the changes. She believes that becoming certified, learning the multicultural
counseling competencies, knowing how to be an advocate, and generally keeping up with
trends is critical to today’s counselors. One day, she decides to go up to Bill and says, “You
know Bill, we’ve been friends for many years; however, I’ve got to tell you that I think that
you are acting unprofessionally, and maybe even unethically, by not keeping up with the
current trends in the field. Particularly, you should be learning about multicultural
counseling and advocacy, and I think it would be good if you went and became a nationally
certified counselor.”
Bill looks at Esther and says, “Esther, you know that I’ve been doing this for a long time now.
My clients seem to like me, I am successful in my work, and I see no reason to change now.
Where’s the problem? I think that perhaps you have bought into some new ways of working
that may not be as beneficial as you believe. How about just letting me do what has always
worked? After all, it took me many years to get as skilled as I am.”
What about Esther’s point of view do you think is correct?
2. What about Bill’s point of view do you think might be credible?
3. Would you feel comfortable working with Bill?
4. Do you believe Bill is acting ethically and professionally?

Sample Solution

Esther’s Point of View:

  • Valid concerns: The field of counseling has evolved significantly in 40 years.
    • CACREP accreditation and certification ensure adherence to professional standards and competence.
    • Multicultural competence is crucial in a diverse society to provide effective and ethical care.
    • Advocacy empowers clients and addresses systemic issues that impact well-being.
    • Continuing education keeps counselors updated on new research, techniques, and ethical considerations.
  • Potential overstep: While Esther raises valid concerns, her approach could be perceived as judgmental and disrespectful of Bill’s experience. Offering support and resources for growth might be more effective.

Bill’s Point of View:

  • Experience and success: Bill’s long career and client satisfaction demonstrate his established skills and effectiveness.
  • Skepticism of new trends: Bill may find some aspects of newer approaches unproven or unnecessary, highlighting the need for open dialogue and evidence-based practices.
  • Resistance to change: Bill’s reluctance to adapt could be a barrier to his professional growth and limit his ability to serve diverse clients effectively.

Working with Bill:

  • Comfort level: Whether you feel comfortable working with Bill depends on your own values and priorities as a counselor.
    • If you value multicultural competence, advocacy, and ongoing learning, Bill’s resistance might raise concerns.
    • Open communication and exploration of his perspectives could provide insights into his approach and potential for growth.

Ethical and Professional Considerations:

  • Bill’s practice: While Bill’s experience is valuable, not adhering to current standards of accreditation and competence raises ethical concerns.
  • Esther’s approach: While advocating for improved practices is important, her delivery could be considered unprofessional if lacking empathy and open dialogue.

Recommendations:

  • Open dialogue: Both Bill and Esther should engage in respectful and open communication to understand each other’s perspectives and concerns.
  • Continuing education: Bill could explore continuing education opportunities focused on areas like multicultural counseling and advocacy, considering evidence-based approaches within his experience.
  • Peer consultation: Bill could seek peer consultation to discuss his practice and receive constructive feedback from colleagues.
  • Mutual respect: Both Bill and Esther should acknowledge the value of experience and ongoing learning while respecting each other’s positions.

Ultimately, navigating this situation requires respectful communication, open-mindedness, and a commitment to ethical and competent counseling practices.

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