Multicultural Counseling Competencies
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What are the strengths and weaknesses of the AMCD Multicultural Counseling Competencies. With this describe two recommendations that one could make in order to enhance the guidelines. How can these recommendations assist counselors in working with culturally diverse clients?
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Solution Summary
This solution examines the competency guidelines offered by the Association for Multicultural Competency and Development (AMCD).
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(1) What are the strengths and weaknesses of AMCD multicultural counseling competencies?
Multicultural competency initially conceptualized by Sue, Arredondo, & McDavies (1992) described the need for counselors to develop an awareness of multicultural skills when working with diverse populations. The concept has emerged as important topic in counseling and assessment encouraging counselors to be culturally aware of the growing diverse society in which we live. It involves taking a self-assessment to recognize one' own biases and prejudices when working with different ethnic groups (e.g., gender, race, sexual orientation and/or socio-economic status).
On its website, the Association for Multicultural competency (AMCD) reports its formation "To recognize the human diversity and multicultural nature of our society; to enhance the development, and human rights and the psychological health of all people...." (www.multiculturalcounseling.org). Originnally named as the Association of nonwhites Concerns (ANWC), in 1985, the organization became known as the AMCD. Based on the organization's mission, it worked to eliminate barriers to the development of people with non-white concerns. The newly formed AMCD) developed a list of competencies focused on enhancing ethnic, racial empathy and understanding; and to advance and sustain personal growth of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The AMCD competencies are divided into three sections:
Section I Cultural Awareness of Attitudes and Biases; Section II Counselor Awareness of Client's Worldviews; and Section III Culturally appropriate Interventions and Strategies. Each section is comprised of three subsections: (a) attitudes and beliefs, (b) knowledge, and (c) skills. Based on the competency descriptions, the AMCD has several strengths and weaknesses. Among its strengths are the following:
*Strengths
Section-IA1—states that counselors are aware of their attitude and bias. This view is keeping in line with Arredondo and McDavies (2002) guidelines for working with diverse groups indicating that counselors must be aware of their own ...
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