What is multicultural counselling?

Sue et al (1996) propose a theory of multicultural counselling and therapy (MCT). This is considered necessary because of the inadequacies of current theories informing current counselling practice. These theories operate from both explicit and implicit assumptions that guide their practical application, and so an `assumption audit' is presented as the starting point for the authors developing MCT as an essential starting point for understanding this new theory.

Underlying Assumptions:

Current theories of counselling and psychotherapy inadequately describe, explain, predict and deal with current cultural diversity. Culture is complex but not chaotic. Diversification is occurring at such a rapid pace that mental-health professionals will increasingly come into contact with clients or client groups who differ from them racially, culturally and ethnically. Mental-health professionals are not adequately prepared to engage in multicultural practice. The traditional training models of professional schools contribute to encapsulation. A major paradigm shift is in process. Multiculturalism provides a fourth dimension to the three traditional helping orientations (psychodynamic, existential-humanistic and cognitive). Individualism has dominated the mental-health field and is strongly reflected in counselling and psychotherapy. All learning occurs and identities are formed in a cultural context. Cultural identity is dynamic and changing. Unintentional racism is as serious as intentional racism. Informal as well as formal counselling is important in many cultural contexts. Culture should be defined inclusively and broadly rather than narrowly. Understanding the cultural and socio-political context of a client's behaviour is essential to accurate assessment, interpretation and treatment. Increased self-awareness is an essential starting point in developing multicultural competence. The accumulation of relevant knowledge depends on a well-developed cultural awareness. The appropriate application of skills in multicultural settings depends on both cultural awareness and relevant knowledge.

Multicultural Counselling recognises the importance of the many variables within modern day society such as, ethnicity, nationality, religion and language; demographic variables such as age, gender and place of residence; status variables such as social, educational and economic; and affiliations including both formal affiliations to family or organisations and informal affiliations to ideas and a lifestyle. MCT takes a holistic and intuitive approach to working with difference, it respects that each person has many different cultures or identities with each identity becoming relevant at different times and places. MCT emphasises both the way we are different from and similar to other people.

For example metaphors are often used within therapy, MCT recognises that metaphors are culturally bound and reflect particular values, for example ’time is money’. Implicit in their use are models of perception; thus the phrase ‘things are looking up’ not only conveys the message that things are improving but also reflects the idea that ’up’ is good. The identification of the colour black with bad things is frequently used metaphorically, in a way which reflects and reinforces the negative connotation given to all people and things black. The power of metaphors derives from the models which they provide for understanding, thinking and communicating about the world.