Multicultural Sensitivity and Competence in the Clinical Supervision of School Counselors and School Psychologists

Abstract

Multicultural sensitivity and competency represent critical components to contemporary practice in school counseling and school psychology. Drawing on the theoretical and empirical literature encompassing multicultural competence, this article examines those attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent counseling services in a multicultural society. Clearly, cultural sensitivity and respect for students' individual needs, life experiences, and worldviews is vital in the schools. This article examines these issues within the context of a supervisory relationship and reviews culturally sensitive counseling techniques and interventions that clinical supervisors can discuss with supervisees. The article is written under the supposition that supervision is a viable and valuable vehicle from which to examine the importance of a multicultural framework.

Key Words:

• Clinical supervision
• multicultural competence
• multicultural sensitivity
• school counseling
• school psychology