CN 714 - Multiculturalism and the Practice of Counseling

Semester Hours: 3

Everyone, including counselors, holds certain beliefs and opinions about their own and other particular groups. These beliefs, biases, or unintentional prejudices influence the counselor’s ability to establish therapeutic relationships with clients of different genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, social classes, ages, etc. Membership in a minority group influences not only the life experiences and perceptions of the members, but it also impacts the individuals’ willingness and ability to seek help, participate in therapy, and, for children, to learn and achieve in school. This course provides an introduction to the theory, research, and practices which underlie and inform competent and ethical therapeutic interventions and assessments with a diverse population. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to explore their own identities, world views, and attitudes and how they might influence the helping process.

Pre- or co-requisites: CN 710 - Introduction to Counseling and Ethics.