Preparing Counselors of Color for Diverse Cultural Contexts: A Review of Multicultural Textbooks Used in CACREP-Accredited Programs

This research analyzed the most widely used multicultural textbooks (MCTs) in CACREP-accredited programs for content that specifically addressed the cultural competence of counselors of color in training (COCITs). Due to current status of race relations in the United States, which includes racism, oppression, and violence that persons of color may experience, there needs to be unique training for COCITs that addresses possible emotional distress, biases, and ill-feelings toward Whites and other persons of color. Cultural competence is not only for White counselors-in-training, but also for COCITs; therefore, the authors hold that it is imperative to analyze MCTs for content that focuses on preparing COCITs. Twenty-two MCTs were reviewed and only five met criteria, albeit at varying degrees. Examples of content themes included the impact of internalized oppression, assimilation, and acculturation, as well as challenges related to voicing true feelings to White faculty and supervisors, and their cultural competence and skill level in handling COCITs preparation.