Exploring Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies: An Intersectional Framework for Client Wellness
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Amina Mostafa
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Counseling and Supervision (Ph.D)
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Michael Bobbitt
Abstract:
This poster explores the significance of multicultural and social justice counseling competencies (MSJCC) in contemporary counseling practices, particularly in addressing the diverse needs of clients from marginalized communities. By examining the evolution of these competencies from the initial Multicultural Counseling Competencies (MCC) to the revised MSJCC, the research highlights the shift towards a more action-oriented and advocacy-focused approach in counseling. An exploratory literature review was conducted to examine the current literature of intersectionality framework as a lens to understand the complex and multifaceted experiences of clients with multiple identities. The MSJCC emphasizes the importance of counselors' self-awareness, understanding of client worldviews, and the dynamics of the counseling relationship, alongside active advocacy interventions. And clients are not exempt from the influence of the sociopolitical climate, including systemic inequalities and discrimination, which certainly impact clients' mental health and counseling outcomes. Through the integration of intersectionality theory with MSJCC, counselors are encouraged to dismantle power structures and center clients' diverse experiences in therapeutic practices. The exploratory literature review underscored culturally responsive counseling approaches and social justice principles to promote wellness outcomes for clients of marginalized communities and oppressed backgrounds in today's society.