Re-examining multicultural courses: Centering the voices of students of color counselors-in-training

Frater, Rosia

Item

Re-examining multicultural courses: Centering the voices of students of color counselors-in-training

Frater, Rosia

Date

2024-12-05

Abstract

Universities implemented multicultural courses to train White counselors-in-training on effectively working with diverse populations (see Arredondo & Arciniega, 2001; Ridley, 2005). Throughout the years, SOC counselors-in-training attendance in counseling programs has increased (CACREP, 2018, 2023). Although numerous counselors and trainees completed multicultural counseling education, scholars have rarely considered the factors contributing to multicultural competence in SOC counselors-in-training. This interpretative phenomenological and CRT study aimed to understand the lived experiences of counselors-in-training who identify as SOC and what informed their practice when working with White clients. This study’s findings supported that SOC counselors-in-training rely significantly on their counselor education program, personal experiences, and self-study to assist and supplement their learning to inform their decision-making process in their work with White clients. Participants considered sociopolitical factors such as power, race, culture, and geographical locations as informants of their interactions with White clients. Ultimately, the participants reported bearing the additional weight of internal conflict as they considered the racial and cultural dynamics that informed how they navigated their work with White clients. This study contributed to research highlighting SOC voices and how multicultural courses influence their decisions when working with White clients. This study focused on racism, how it presented during sessions, and the skills participants used to work with White clients in navigating these complex situations. This study added to the body of literature stakeholders may utilize to make decisions around strategies, counseling curricula, equitable policies, and praxis that uphold professional and ethical standards.