CNDV 5320 Lamar University Multicultural Existence Paper

Culture and race are terms that often are used interchangeably. However, culture can vary within a race and it is important to understand the ways in which culture varies by geographic region, socioeconomic background, education, and other variables. While a course in multicultural counseling often focuses on race, it is important to look at cultural differences/similarities as well. Because many counseling models have been developed for the majority population, multicultural courses have often neglected to include discussions about European Americans. Cultural differences for European Americans can be just as distinct as those between individuals of two races.

Assignment 4 will help you to examine strategies for improving your multicultural competence and for providing services to European Americans.

Directions

Read your textbook chapters and review the assigned video. To complete this assignment, address the following questions (one or two pages).

1. What are some of the unique challenges faced by European Americans? (1-2 paragraphs)
2. What can you do to increase your level of multicultural competence in working with individuals from various European American backgrounds? (1-2 paragraphs).
3. What stereotypes should counselors of European Americans be aware of and work to avoid?
4. Reflect on your learning experience related to multicultural counseling and counseling European Americans across the lifespan. Discuss how you can better serve clients from these cultural backgrounds in your school or clinic (2-4 paragraphs).