The development of effective counseling skills begins with the right university degree, such as the online Bachelor of Psychology from Maryville University. This program emphasizes courses relevant to multicultural counseling, such as social psychology, multicultural psychology, and critical thinking in the social sciences. Multicultural counseling is incredibly valuable in today's culturally diverse world, as it helps those in therapeutic environments to better connect with their patients and be more sensitive to issues related to cultural and racial experiences. Multicultural counselors understand that patients' backgrounds influence how they see the world and that the counselor's role must change to adapt to these perspectives.
In 1997, counselors Michael D'Andrea and Judy Daniels established the RESPECTFUL model, which highlights 10 multicultural factors that therapists should consider in their work. The best therapists, psychologists, social workers and others who work in counseling services use multicultural counseling, based on cultural awareness, to better help their clients. It wasn't until 1972 that the American Personnel and Guidance Association (now the American Counseling and Development Association) created the Non-White Affairs Association (now the Multicultural Counseling and Development Association (AMCD)). More specifically, being trained in multicultural counseling is important for several tactical reasons. Explore how Maryville University's online Bachelor of Psychology, with courses that emphasize multicultural counseling strategies and that aim to create an understanding of how racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors interact, can help you begin the path to becoming an effective, culturally aware therapist. Mental health professionals should try to understand the cultural issues that also influence whether a person is more or less likely to seek counseling.
