Library
5748
2000
The multicultural counselling competencies of Canadian counsellors
Changing client populations has prompted much research on the multicultural counselling competencies of counsellors. However, recent literature suggests that counsellors are not adequately prepared to work with diverse populations. This study explores 181 Canadian counsellors' perceived multicultural competencies, based on an exploration of four domains of multicultural counselling competence: self-awareness, skills, knowledge, and the counselling relationship. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Multicultural Counselling Inventory (MCI). Results indicate that participants self-report the greatest competence in the domain of skills, followed respectively by knowledge, awareness, and the counselling relationship. Further results categorized participants into two groups of either high or low multiculturally competent counsellors. Results reveal that high multiculturally competent counsellors have a significantly greater percentage caseload of multicultural clients, and have taken significantly more multicultural courses. Further analysis indicates that experience working with multicultural clients and attending professional development seminars were the strongest predictors of higher levels of multicultural competencies, followed by case consultation. The findings emphasize the importance of multicultural counselling competence in Canada and the need for future research and professional training.
Education-General, Professional Role-General, Quality of Care/Health Outcomes, Workplace/Worklife Issues-General
Other Healthcare Worker
Survey/Questionnaire
Canada