Chapter 3
Ethical Practice, Multicultural Competence, and Social Justice
Focus Questions
1. What does the term “culturally competent counselor” mean to you?
Points instructors may want to make:
• Counselors have an ethical obligation to be culturally competent.
2. In what ways is cultural competence an ethical issue?
Points instructors may want to make:
• The ACA Code of Ethics requires that counselors respect the diversity of clients,
3. How can you ensure that you are competent to provide counseling services to the
culturally diverse clients who may seek your assistance?
Points instructors may want to make:
• Counselors must ensure they understand the differences clients bring to the
counseling relationship through reading, attending workshops, and having discussions
In Class Activity
Title: In-Vivo Multicultural/Diversity Discussion
Learning
Goal: To include issues of diversity when working with clients.
Procedure: Place students into groups of 3-4 participants. Present case studies of clients presenting with issues for
which counseling is being sought. Have students in the venue of a staffing discuss the cases for 15–20
Point/Counterpoint (Debate) Topics
Title: Should counselors in secular settings pray with their clients?
Learning
Goal: To consider the questions involved in addressing religious issues within the
counseling relationship.
Procedures: Assign (or allow students to volunteer) 2 groups of students (preferably 3-5
students in each) to each
Point: Counselors should be willing and prepared to pray with clients who request it.
vs.
Counterpoint: Counselors should refer clients to members of the clergy when clients
ask the counselors to pray with them during counseling sessions..
Title: Should counselors refer clients for reparative therapy?
Learning
Goal: To consider the conflicting issues involved in whether to refer clients for
requested services when those services may cause harm to the client.
Outside Class Activity
Title: What it Feels Like to be Different
Learning
Goal: To help students understand the feelings people have who are members of cultural minority groups.
Procedure: Ask students to attend a function at which they are the only person of their race or culture. Assign
students the task of describing their experiences in a two-page paper.
Topic for Self-Reflection/Journaling
Case Study
Dr. Linwood, a counselor educator, is talking with Jay, a new White student in the master’s
degree program. Jay tells Dr. Linwood that he is totally unbiased toward African-American
Case Study Discussion
1. How do you think Dr. Linwood should respond?
2. How can Dr. Linwood help Jay become more culturally competent?
Short Paper or Oral Class Presentation Topics
1. Have students write a reflection paper concerning how their values can affect their clients.
2. Have students prepare a document containing the goals they must accomplish to become a