Attempts to redefine multicultural counseling using Afrocentric, holistic, optimal theory that views individuals as unique manifestations of spirit, thus sharing a common core. Viewing all counseling as multicultural, reconceptualizes multicultural counseling competencies as fundamental counseling skills achieved through self-knowledge and shift…

Argues that attempts to assess racial identity via single variables trivialize the construct. Suggests that problems with the manner in which the Racial Identity Attitude Scale was used in the Pomales, Claiborn, and LaFromboise (1985) study contributed to possible problems in scale reliability and interpretation. (Author/ABB)

In order to develop competence in cross-cultural counseling, awareness of one's own culture must be developed. To survive, cultures incorporate both obvious mechanisms, like a distinctive language, and less obvious mechanisms, like patterns of thought. Culture acts as an invisible veil which prevents us from being aware of the cultural filters…

Cultural sensitivity, cultural relativism, and the cultural defense are defined and described. Each concept is addressed in terms of its relationship to couple and family counseling. The role of counselor must be broadened and deepened to include the role of cultural broker. (Author/EMK)

Examines white counselor self-awareness as an important variable in developing multicultural competence with respect to world view, cultural values, and racial identity. Suggests that counselor self-awareness is a prerequisite for developing multicultural competence, and that an understanding of these factors may improve the delivery of mental…

Identifies limitations of culturalist perspective often advocated by Latino mental health workers outlines folk healing practices they favor. Notes that culturalist perspective suffers from ahistorical/asocial/static conceptualization, and lacks analysis of class/sex/structural dimensions of so-called cultural expressions. Calls for recognition of…