Key Concepts
Sue's multicultural counseling competencies include awareness of own cultural values and biases, understanding the worldview of culturally diverse clients, and developing culturally appropriate intervention strategies
Cultural humility emphasizes an ongoing process of self-reflection and self-critique rather than achieving a fixed state of cultural competence
Intersectionality recognizes that multiple identities (race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability) interact to create unique experiences of privilege and oppression
The RESPECTFUL model (D'Andrea and Daniels) provides a framework for considering 10 dimensions of diversity in counseling
Racial/cultural identity development models (Cross, Helms, Atkinson-Morten-Sue) describe stages of identity awareness
Microaggressions are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to people of marginalized groups
Social justice advocacy involves working at individual, community, and systemic levels to address inequities
Why This Matters for the Exam
Multicultural competence is tested on every licensing exam. The NCE has a dedicated content area for Social and Cultural Diversity. The ASWB exams emphasize diversity and cultural competence throughout. Expect questions about culturally responsive practice, identity development models, avoiding bias in assessment and treatment, and advocacy. Questions may present scenarios where cultural factors affect the clinical relationship.
Study Tips
Know Sue's three domains of multicultural competency (awareness, knowledge, skills). Be familiar with at least one racial/cultural identity development model. Understand how cultural factors can influence help-seeking behavior, symptom presentation, and the therapeutic relationship. On the exam, answers that demonstrate cultural sensitivity and avoid making assumptions are usually correct.