Multiculturalism is an important subject for counselors. However, students pursuing degrees in counseling can find the call by multiculturalists to embrace the differences in clients without judgment to be a difficult challenge. This is particularly true for conservative Christian counselors working with clients from different religions or who participate in behaviors that are condemned in the Bible. What should Christian counselors do when working with clients from different religious backgrounds or who engage in “sinful” behavior as a lifestyle? Should counselors challenge the religious beliefs or moral values of clients? Why or why not?
2. Spirituality has become part of multicultural counseling theory as demonstrated in our text. What does the text suggest about probing client spirituality as part of the counseling process? How would you solicit information about a client’s spirituality or spiritual identity? Would you be comfortable drawing from the client’s spirituality even if the client’s beliefs are inconsistent with Christian beliefs?
3. Identify and discuss reasons why diverse clients may prematurely terminate or avoid counseling services as defined in the section “Use of Counseling Services and Multicultural Populations.” Based on your readings and study, what can counselors do to mitigate these factors and to encourage these individuals to trust the counseling process?
4. Discuss the similarities and differences between spirituality and religion. What is Poll and Smith’s Model of Spiritual Identity? Do you agree or disagree with the model? Why or why not?
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