Piece a Cake: Being Vulnerable in the Unknown World of Differences in Cultural Flavors

Course Description

Discussing multicultural issues and intersectionality has been a topic of interest among scholars. However, research on initiating conversations among mental health professionals on a peer-to-peer level is scarce. Hence, it’s critical to consider taking risks, and encouraging open dialogue about difficult issues to move the profession forward. Studies indicate that multicultural diversification in the U.S. is increasing on a regular basis with more than 30-million minority individuals nationally (Zeigler & Camarota, 2017). Hence, the importance of broaching multicultural conversations is increasing every day. Additionally, it’s critical to highlight that multiculturalism is not only about race-related differences. There are many factors that fall under the umbrella of multiculturalism such as ethnicity, gender and gender identity, affectional and sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ableism, and also the intersectionality of these identities (Chopra, 2013). However, literature indicates that in general, conversation about multicultural topics can be vulnerable and anxiety-arousing. In addition, research exists on the significance of having uncomfortable cultural-based conversations between counselor educators and students, supervisors and supervisees, and counselors and clients. For instance, scholarly knowledge highlights that conversations about race and cultural factors in counseling sessions enhance the therapeutic relationship and client outcome (Day-Vines et al., 2018). However, not much is known about broaching difficult conversations among peers; hence, the goal of this workshop is to bring awareness and facilitate vulnerable conversations.