Multicultural Case Analysis and Self-Reflection

Overview
The final project for this course consists of two parts: a multicultural case analysis and a self-reflection. The purpose of this course is to provide you with a foundation for work as a culturally competent counselor. Counseling practice, by its nature, requires each practicing professional to recognize the central influence that intersecting identities play not only in the lives of their clients but in their own lives as well. Learning cultural competence as a way to participate in counseling relationships takes place in two ways: exposure to a variety of cultural narratives, and self-reflection.

In this project, you will create a multicultural case analysis through the observation of one of the two client scenarios provided below. By learning to witness the “other” in each client narrative, you will conceptualize and begin to practice strategies for counseling and advocacy with clients who experience institutional barriers to equality, justice, and wellness. This project will continue to shape your professional identity as a counselor and how you work with clients.

Client scenario options:

• Butch’s Story
NOTE: Please be aware that this case study captures an individuals’ life experiences and includes an incident where he was referred to by a racial slur. Please understand that, while part of the individual’s narrative, repeating the slur is offensive, unnecessary, and is therefore prohibited in coursework or as part of the program. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to your instructor.
• Vu’s Story

You will practice parts of your project throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. The final product will be submitted in
Week Eight.

In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:

• Apply appropriate multicultural counseling concepts and competencies in a professional counseling setting for informing client case conceptualization
• Analyze a client’s otherness objectively for how it influences their behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes
• Analyze institutional and social barriers for their effect on a client’s ability and willingness to access professional counseling services

Prompt
In your multicultural case analysis, you will document your observations of your client and analyze their circumstances to inform your plan for conceptualizing the case.

Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

I. Background
a. Establish context for your case by briefly describing the client based on the information that you are presented with the case scenario. Include
the client’s identified reason for seeking counseling.
b. Describe observations that you made about your client’s otherness and its influence on his or her behavior.
c. Describe observations that you made about your client’s otherness and its influence on his or her beliefs and attitudes.
d. Describe institutional and social barriers that have played a role in your client’s ability or willingness to access professional counseling services.

II. Analysis
a. Describe the steps you will take in analyzing your client’s case to ensure that you are being objective and unbiased.
b. Explain how you will address the institutional and social barriers that have impeded your client’s access to professional counseling services.
c. Explain the multicultural counseling competencies that you will consider while working with your client. Support your response with reference to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and the American Counseling Association’s Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies.
d. Describe how you will use the multicultural competencies that you have identified to meet the needs of your client, and include why this is the most appropriate approach.
e. Explain any considerations you will keep in mind regarding your own culture when working with your client.