The impracticalities of R. B. Stuart's practical multicultural competencies.

Comment in response to Stuart's recent article (see record 2004-10365-001) on multicultural competence. This comment includes three distinct voices. One voice is of a Brazilian woman, living in the United States, who experienced a visceral reaction to the article. The second voice is from a European American man who appreciates Stuart's efforts but is troubled by a disguised ideology that possibly objectifies culture and ignores sociopolitical realities. The third voice is from an Italian-Catholic-Austrian-Jewish man who can see himself and his clinical psychology training in what he considers Stuart's Western/White-male scientific multicultural metatheory. To the three of us, the practical suggestions Stuart offered seem useful, on the surface. However, we fear that when put into practice, these suggestions could not only be culturally insensitive, but in extreme cases might undermine some of the important progress made in the field of multicultural psychology over the past 2 decades. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multiculturalism: Questions, Not Answers.

A reply by Richard B. Stuart regarding the comment by Stolle, Hutz, and Sommers-Flanagan (see record 2005-13212-019). The American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines on multiculturalism (APA, 2002b) exhort psychologists to recognize and control their personal biases and to strive to "apply culturally appropriate skills in clinical and other applied psychological practices" (p. 3). My article (see record 2004-10365-001) offered 12 suggestions aimed at helping psychologists follow these mandates. It was motivated by the fear that some well-intended attempts to appreciate diversity could inadvertently contribute to the very insensitivity they were intended to prevent. It is my view that group influences are extremely important in shaping individual identity, but the effect of culture on a given individual cannot be verified without consulting that person directly. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multicultural research and practice: Theoretical issues and maximizing cultural exchange.

This article reviews literature on cross-cultural approaches to assessment, research, and clinical practice, culminating in recommendations for using a “cultural exchange” approach when working with multicultural clients. It examines challenges in studying culture and mental illness, including methodological issues and problems in defining constructs in multicultural research. Measurement of disorders cross-culturally, including efforts to validate depression measures for use with multicultural populations, is also discussed. Perspectives on cultural competence are presented, including the American Psychological Association Multicultural Guidelines, and a “cultural exchange” approach to therapy is presented as a tool for maximizing the benefit of therapy with multicultural clients. Three clinical vignettes are presented to illustrate the use of this approach and how identifying the commission of Type I and Type II multicultural errors can enhance clinical work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Therapist Multicultural Competency: A Study of Therapy Dyads": Correction.

Reports an error in "Therapist Multicultural Competency: A Study of Therapy Dyads" by Jairo N. Fuertes, Thomas I. Stracuzzi, Jennifer Bennett, Jennifer Scheinholtz, A. Mislowack, Mindy Hersh and David Cheng (Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 2006[Win], Vol 43[4], 480-490). The fifth author's name should be spelled as follows: Alexa Mislowack. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2006-23019-010.) This study examined the role of therapist multicultural competence (TMC). Fifty-one therapy dyads completed measures of therapist multicultural competency, working alliance, and their satisfaction with therapy. Clients also completed measures of therapist attractiveness, expertness, trustworthiness, and empathy. Results showed strong associations between clients' ratings of TMC and ratings of the working alliance, therapist empathy, and satisfaction. Clients' combined rating of therapist expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness were not associated with their TMC ratings but were significantly associated with therapists' self-appraised TMC ratings. Therapists' ratings of their TMC were associated with their ratings of the working alliance and satisfaction with their work. Results are discussed in the context of the relevant literature, as are implications for training and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Toward reflective practice: A multicultural competence training model from a community mental health center.

Despite the importance of multicultural competence in clinical practice and training, there is a surprising dearth of innovative training models from fieldwork sites that would be replicable in other practicum settings. The authors illustrate a multicultural competence training model from a community mental health center that highlights the Guidelines on Multicultural Education, Training, Research, Practice, and Organization Change for Psychologists (American Psychological Association, 2003). The model focuses on providing multicultural training through two separate but linked training teams for the dual purposes of internal reflection and reflective practice. The authors conclude with a discussion of the implications of this training model for practice, research, and organizational change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multicultural experiences of U.S. military psychologists: Current trends and training target areas.

This study provides the first quantification of the multicultural experiences of U.S. military psychologists. The importance of multicultural competence cannot be overemphasized given that military psychologists now practice all over the world and are expected to treat active-duty personnel, their family members, and individuals encountered from many different countries. Additionally, a small, but significant portion of enlisted military members are not U.S. citizens. Provision of services to this diverse group can be improved through efforts to enhance the multicultural competence of military providers. To better understand the multicultural experience base of military psychologists, the authors sent a survey to all contactable active-duty U.S. military psychologists (i.e., 367). Eighty-six individuals responded to a survey regarding their experiences with active-duty personnel, U.S. civilians, and civilians from other countries. Also, respondents provided quantitative information regarding working with detainees, using interpreters, and interacting with patients from diverse religious backgrounds. Results indicated rich and varied multicultural experiences with definite trends, which can assist individual psychologists and military training program development. Recommended training target areas for military psychologists at all levels are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

White Racial Identity Dyadic Interactions in Supervision: Implications for Supervisees' Multicultural Counseling Competence.

Examining supervisory dyads consisting of a White supervisor and a White supervisee, the authors sought to determine the effects of similarities and differences in levels of supervisor and supervisee racial identity schemas or attitudes on White supervisees' self-reported multicultural counseling competence and multicultural case conceptualization ability. White supervisees in supervision dyads characterized by more advanced White racial identity schemas reported higher self-perceived multicultural counseling competence and obtained higher multicultural case conceptualization ratings than did their counterparts in supervision dyads characterized by lower White racial identity schemas. Implications of the findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multicultural approaches in psychotherapy: A rejoinder.

In this rejoinder, the authors address several issues raised by R. L. Worthington and F. R. Dillon (see record 2010-26150-001) and C. R. Ridley and M. Shaw-Ridley (see record 2011-00622-001) regarding (a) the measurement of multicultural competencies (MCCs), (b) sampling considerations in multicultural research, and (c) the conceptual frame of multicultural psychotherapy research. The authors challenge the wisdom of exploring MCCs in psychotherapy research and provide a different framework to understand therapists' multicultural effectiveness with clients based on their cultural race/ethnicity. Additionally, the concept of therapists' multicultural orientation or approach is introduced to illuminate the process of aligning with clients about salient cultural issues in psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrating evidence-based practice, cognitive–behavior therapy, and multicultural therapy: Ten steps for culturally competent practice.

During the past decade, 3 major developments in psychotherapy have been converging: the establishment of evidence-based practices in psychology (EBPP); enormous growth in cognitive–behavior therapy and research (CBT); and increasing recognition of the impact of multicultural influences, as highlighted in the field of multicultural therapy (MCT). Cognitive–behavioral research has produced many empirically supported treatments used in the establishment of the scientific research base of EBPP, and MCT research has provided a wealth of qualitative information that balances this scientific emphasis with recognition of the importance of culturally competent clinical judgment, expertise, and experience. This article describes the advantages and potential limitations involved in the integration of CBT and multicultural considerations, with limitations reframed as opportunities to improve the relevance and effectiveness of psychotherapy. Ten suggestions are provided for integrating multicultural considerations into the clinical practice of cognitive–behavior therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Program evaluation for organizational cultural competence in mental health practices.

Mental health practices that lack cultural competence prevent diverse clients from receiving the care they deserve. As providers and program administrators, psychologists currently have a responsibility to ensure high quality of care for diverse clients at the clinic level. This article deciphers extant empirical research, organizational theory, public policy literature, and best practices to identify which recommendations are most relevant for those in small mental health practices and clinics. The authors present 10 components for culturally appropriate care, ranging from policies and procedures to needs and satisfaction level of clients. This overview can be used to help evaluate and develop a mental health practice's ability to meet the needs of diverse clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cultural influences on the process of conducting psychotherapy: Personal reflections of an ethnic minority psychologist.

I was asked to reflect how being a member of an ethnically diverse minority group, that is, Japanese American, may have influenced my clinical practice as a psychologist and psychotherapist. I first define the various facets of my “diversity status,” followed by an offering of reflections on how being a member of this group impacted both myself as a therapist and my clients. I conclude with several general recommendations geared to enhance a positive therapeutic alliance and client outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cultural competence: A new way of thinking about integration in therapy.

This article, based on a keynote speech delivered to the 2009 conference of the Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration, offers a model for understanding cultural competence as a strategy for psychotherapy integration. Paradigms for what constitutes cultural competence in psychotherapy are explored, and the development of an epistemology of cultural competence that includes understandings of therapist bias and both therapist and client intersectionalities of identity are examined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Continuing education in cultural competence for community mental health practitioners.

Continuing education in cultural competence is a key strategy for enhancing provider effectiveness in working with culturally diverse clients. In the mental health field, a majority of published works address training issues related to students in graduate programs. Few articles, however, discuss specific models or methods of continuing education for practitioners working in community-based settings. The authors present a case example of an interactive workshop in cultural competence for community mental health practitioners. They discuss key modules of this workshop, including (a) cultural competence and outreach principles, (b) cultural identity and worldview, (c) stereotyping and automatic thinking, (d) dynamics of difference, and (e) application exercises. Recommendations are offered for administrators, direct care staff, trainers, and researchers who may be interested in undertaking or participating in cultural competence continuing education efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrating feminism and multiculturalism: Scientific fact or science fiction?

How can contemporary psychologists become more multiculturally competent? Should practitioners focus primarily on race/ethnicity or should they attempt to integrate feminist principles and other aspects of identity and social location into their quest for multicultural competence? Competent clinical practice requires a complexity paradigm that encompasses the intersectionalities of class, gender, race/ethnicity, and other aspects that define an individual's subjective experience. This article points out the fact that multicultural theorists, for the most part, have underplayed gender and feminism, as feminist theorists have deemphasized race/ethnicity and class. The author provides several clinical examples that illustrate how integrating multiculturalism and feminism can improve clinical practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinical competence for practicing psychologists: Clearly a work in progress.

Competence is an issue of vital importance for all practicing psychologists, and each spends his or her career seeking to develop it, achieve it, maintain it, and enhance it. But just what is competence, how is it best achieved, what are the factors that may adversely impact it, and what are each psychologist's ethical obligations with regard to clinical competence? These and other relevant questions are addressed for psychologists individually, for those who train them, and for those in the profession who establish professional standards. The article and 3 invited expert commentaries address these issues and make practical recommendations for action that will assist psychologists, trainers, and the profession to better achieve the ideal of competence so that they may best be able to meet the needs of those they serve. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multicultural Considerations in the Delivery of Play Therapy Services.

It is estimated that by the year 2025, the number of minority children will outnumber the number of majority children in the United States. Play therapists have an increasing need to be able to provide culturally sensitive services. This article discusses issues of culture, ethnic identity, and minority status and their relevance to the practice of play therapy. Play therapists can improve their cultural sensitivity through (a) expanding their knowledge of specific cultures of children they serve, (b) increasing their ability to understand the variety of cultural influences on a child and assessing the impact of the various influences, and (c) increasing their understanding of the ways children from minority cultures are taught to cope with minority status. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Why multicultural issues matter for practitioners working with older adults.

How are the American Psychological Association's multicultural practice guidelines relevant to those who provide clinical services to older adults? Issues of race and ethnicity figure in the lives of older adults and their service providers in ways that may not be readily apparent. In this article, the author reviews facts about minority aging along with clinical examples to illustrate issues older adults confront in negotiating racial, ethnic, and age differences between themselves and others, including service providers. Current professional efforts to enhance sensitivity to late-life diversity issues are reviewed, as are resources on which the practicing psychologist can draw. Recommendations are made regarding how psychologists can gain knowledge, enrich teaching and supervision, and encourage conversation with clients and colleagues about multicultural aging. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An analogue study of the effects of asian cultural values and counselor multicultural competence on counseling process.

One-hundred-and-sixteen Asian American college students viewed analogue videotapes in which an actress portraying a European American female "counselor" expressed cultural values that were either consistent or inconsistent with Asian culture to an actress portraying an Asian American female "client." In addition, the counselor either acknowledged racial differences or did not acknowledge racial differences with the client. The results showed that when the counselor expressed values that were inconsistent with Asian culture, the counselor who acknowledged racial differences was perceived to be more cross-culturally competent than the counselor who did not acknowledge racial differences. Also, the results showed that observer-participants' adherence to the value of conformity to norms was positively associated with their ratings of counselor credibility and crosscultural counseling competence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Culturally responsive counseling with Asian American men.

Reviews the book, Culturally responsive counseling with Asian American men by William M. Liu, Derek Kenji Iwamoto, and Mark H. Chae (see record 2010-05136-000). Once in awhile, a book fills a gap in the literature like a critical missing piece to a puzzle. Culturally Responsive Counseling with Asian American Men is just that book, as there is scant literature that focuses on the mental health needs of Asian American men as a distinct group. The 346-page book contains 16 chapters, and the editors, Drs. Liu, Iwamato, and Chae, have thoughtfully brought together 24 contributors whose collective contributions cover both a breadth and depth of mental health concerns that impact Asian American men in the United States. Drawing from their expertise as clinicians, educators, researchers, and students, the authors cover a wide range of topics, such as acculturation, gendered racism, intergenerational masculinity strain, fatherhood, alcoholism, suicide, domestic violence and sexual aggression, sexual orientation, interracial and interethnic relationships, and the use of the Internet as a source of coping and healing. Culturally Responsive Counseling with Asian American Men is a unique book that can enhance the assessment, conceptualization, and intervention skills of all clinicians who work with Asian American men due to its strong clinical focus and integration of rich case studies throughout. Educators may consider this book as they seek to enrich and provide nuance to complex topics such as acculturation, racial identity, and intergenerational conflict. Finally, graduate students will find that this book is an excellent bridge between science and practice. It brings to life the theories and research learned in the classroom, and, at the same time, it enhances our knowledge, awareness, and skills for working with the Asian American male clients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)