THERAPY FOR MULTICULTURAL CLIENTS

WHat do we mean when we say multicultural counseling?

When we talk about multicultural counseling, we refer to counseling that also takes into account the context with which the client is located. For instance, each client is impacted by their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, spirituality, ability status, immigration status, and socioeconomic status, among other contexts. When working with clients, I don’t assume that I understand exactly what they are going through because their context and background is different than mine. Hence, the beginning of our work will focus on me getting to better understand my client and the context in which they are located.

Treatment will depend on your presenting concerns, but I am a firm believer that you are the expert of your own life and I am a fellow traveler on your journey toward change. If we work on something in treatment and it does not resonate with you or your identity, please let me know and we can try something new. With any treatment, I like to explore your values and what’s important to you. We would not do any treatment unless it feels as though it is moving you toward the person you want to be. Sometimes, our identities conflict (e.g., independence is important to me, but I am also family-oriented), and in those moments, I try to check in to see what is important for you in that present moment and take actions toward those values.