Counseling Diverse Populations

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to [CACREP 2024 standards]:

Section 3: A. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice

• Understand the role and process of the professional counselor advocating on behalf of and with individuals receiving counseling services to address systemic, institutional, architectural, attitudinal, disability, and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success

• Understand the role and process of the professional counselor advocating on behalf of the profession

Section 3: B. Social and Cultural Identities and Experiences

• Apply theories and models of multicultural counseling, social justice, and advocacy

• Examine the influence of heritage, cultural identities, attitudes, values, beliefs, understandings, within-group differences, and acculturative experiences on individuals’ worldviews

• Examine the influence of heritage, cultural identities, attitudes, values, beliefs, understandings, within-group differences, and acculturative experiences on help-seeking and coping behaviors

• Evaluate the effects of historical events, multigenerational trauma, and current issues on diverse cultural groups in the U.S. and globally

• Evaluate the effects of stereotypes, overt and covert discrimination, racism, power, oppression, privilege, marginalization, microaggressions, and violence on counselors and clients

• Evaluate the effects of various socio-cultural influences, including public policies, social movements, and cultural values, on mental and physical health and wellness

• Examine disproportional effects of poverty, income disparities, and health disparities toward people with marginalized identities

• Apply principles of independence, inclusion, choice and self-empowerment, and access to services within and outside the counseling relationship

• Implement strategies for identifying and eliminating barriers, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination

• Implement guidelines developed by professional counseling organizations related to social justice, advocacy, and working with individuals with diverse cultural identities

• Evaluate the role of religion and spirituality in clients’ and counselors’ psychological functioning

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Video Monologue Project and Presentation	30 points
Directory of Multicultural Resources	40 points
Participation Narrative	30 points
Total	100 points

Graduate Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
100-94%	A
93-90%	A-
89-87%	B+
86-84%	B
83-80%	B-
79-77%	C+
76-74%	C
73% or below	F/WF

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is required for this course. If you are absent for more than two classes during this semester, your grade may be negatively impacted.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (Eds.) (2023). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (4th ed.). Pearson.