Discussion Post: Multicultural Group Work
• What are important factors that you must embody to become a culturally competent group counselor? Additionally, discuss how you intend to do that.
• What do you consider to be your greatest strength in addressing diversity and multicultural issues? Support your answer with evidence from the literature.
• Case Scenario
A group counselor is hired to facilitate a short-term group at a local agency that is having trouble with morale and work-related relationships. During the pre-group interviews, one African American worker (Jane) and one Latino worker (Manuel) express their concern that the other workers and the supervisor, who are White, routinely leave them out of conversations, social gatherings, and important work opportunities. The group facilitator appreciates the information and decides that this pattern represents an issue of problematic communication and connection. Out of this conceptualization, the group leader never addresses the possible impact of race in this matter but instead works with the group to improve their level of interpersonal interaction and belonging (i.e., making sure everyone gets a turn to process and share in the group). Therefore, Jane and Manuel never voice their concern about how they are treated and instead "play along" with the communication exercises. As a result, the underlying issue remains. They may even feel further confused or hurt because their issue was ignored.
o What cultural considerations should the group leader take into account?
o In what ways does this impact the group process and outcomes?
o As the group leader what would you do differently?
Textbook: Gladding, S.T. (2016). Groups: A Counseling Specialty (8th.ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780133998467.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.