You must reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200–300 words. Please include a bible verse that coincides with replies. APA format, work cited and referenced

Hays, D. G., & Erford, B. T. (2018). Developing multicultural counseling competence: A systems approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN: 9780134523804.

Classmate 1:  Paige

After reading through the four multicultural competencies discussed in both the video and the book I believe I will struggle the most with the competency of counseling and advocacy interventions. The reason for this is because of the amount of knowledge I will need in order to represent and advocate for the different levels. According to Hayes and Erford (2018) privileged and marginalized counselors in this area must intervene with, and on behalf, of clients at the interpersonal, intrapersonal, institutional, community, public policy, and international/global levels. In order to do this the counselor needs to have a firm understanding in all departments ranging from personal issues among the clients all the way to global and international issues. That requires the counselor to know and understand a broad spectrum of things in order to help one person ranging to tons of people with small to significant issues. For me, it would take a lot of learning for me to come to a place where I feel comfortable enough to take on those wide variety of tasks.

An additional Christian principle that I would add to this presentation would be the idea of knowing scripture and having knowledge of Christ and his Word. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” As a counselor who is a Christian the very essence of who we are and the basis for our values and beliefs comes from Christ. I understand that as a secular counselor one cannot impose their values and beliefs on clients, but I do believe that as a Christian we need to be knowledgeable of Gods Word, especially in a helping profession when someone may either challenge you or ask for biblical truths. In essence this verse tells us that Gods Word is to be used as instruction and we are to understand and have knowledge of it in order to give such instructions to others. Another verse that talks about us having knowledge of Gods Word is 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV) “But sanctify the Lord God in our hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Within our text, the multicultural competencies all possess knowledge as a characteristic in order to be a privileged and marginalized counselor (Hayes & Erford, 2018). If knowledge is a fey factor for multicultural competencies then it should be just as important from a Christian perspective.

Classmate 2: Angelica

These include: counselor self-awareness, client worldview, counseling relationships and counseling and advocacy interventions (Erford & Hays, 2015). Of the four competencies, the one I think I will find most challenging is counseling and advocacy interventions. As a counselor, I will be responsible to act as an advocate for my clients at the intra-personal, interpersonal, institutional, community and global levels. I will not only have to help my individual clients shift their thinking, attitudes, behaviors and self-concepts, but I will also be responsible for promoting social justice in the community and the world (Erford & Hays, 2015). As a future counselor, this seems like a big responsibility. Staying up to date on the public policies, politics, laws, and community affairs that effect each of my clients feels daunting. I have never been one who is comfortable with intense conflict, so I must continue to develop my confidence and knowledge so that I will be able to step out of my comfort zone and effectively advocate for my clients.

Dr. Moitinho explained some characteristics of multicultural Christian counselors. If I were to add another principle to Dr. Monitinho’s list, I would add that multicultural Christian counselors should have a humble attitude of learning. Dr. Campinha-Bacote claims that a healthcare professional must maintain an attitude of cultural competence and cultural humility in each client encounter. Additionally, Dr. Campinha-Bacote states that pairing cultural humility with cultural knowledges allows for meaningful encounters that help healthcare professionals connect with clients as unique, individual people instead of stereotypes (Campinha-Bacote, 2018). I believe that in order to be a multiculturally competent Christian counselor, one must be humble enough recognize personal flaws and seek guidance. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice,” (English Standard Version). As a counselor, I believe it is important to seek the advice of other counselors and admit when I need help. Being humble and willing to constantly search out new knowledge is key to developing as a counselor. God calls us as Christians to humble ourselves and seek wise counsel, so I believe that humility is a key aspect of development as a Christian counselor.