Multicultural Competence

Multicultural competence includes the counsellor’s beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and skills (Jones, Sander, & Booker, 2013). The counsellor is required to practice self-awareness and self-understanding, such as what their values are, awareness of other people, and awareness of society (i.e. privilege) (Jones et al., 2013). Becoming more self-aware also brings to the surface one’s own unconscious biases and stereotypes that have been created through experience. Practicing self-aware can prevent us from causing harm clients, as per the ethical principle of nonmaleficence (CCPA, 2007). A counsellor who relates more to the Western culture can positively influence their client’s goals and treatments if they become more aware of their own cultural …show more content…
This can help students achieve a better understanding of other’s cultural values and beliefs, contribute to the students’ growth and cultural awareness, while also providing equal treatment and intervention to each individual from different cultural backgrounds, as per the ethical principle of justice (CCPA, 2007). However, assessments used to measure self-awareness can be subjective. Measuring one’s knowledge and skills are easier and provide more consistent results. Despite being subjective, overall, these assessments can be useful because it can give students the opportunity to reflect on themselves, reflect on other people, and address their beliefs and …show more content…
Other ethical principles which are involved in multicultural competence is fidelity, to uphold strong moral principles within the therapeutic relationship; and societal interest, to be responsible to society (CCPA, 2007). Multicultural competence would also contribute to “safeguard the dignity and rights of their clients, students, and research participants” (CCPA, 2007), as per ethical code