Process Experience Reflection
Engaging with the readings from Sue et al. (2022), Singh (2019), and the group
discussion on racial awareness provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on my
cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes as I deepen my understanding of
multicultural counseling. The combination of academic material, videos, and dialogue
about race prompted internal shifts in how I think, act, and feel regarding cultural
competence, spirituality, and systemic oppression.
Cognitively, the readings challenged the way I conceptualize healing and assessment in
counseling. Sue et al. (2022) highlighted that many Indigenous and culturally rooted
healing practices emphasize balance between mind, body, spirit, and community—far
beyond the individualistic focus of traditional Western models. This expanded my
understanding of what therapeutic healing can look like and helped me see how
spirituality and cultural identity “add-ons” are not to therapy but essential elements for
many clients. Chapter 11 on culturally competent assessment also reshaped my
perspective. I became more aware of how standardized tests, often created from a
Western worldview, can misrepresent or even harm clients from diverse backgrounds.
Cognitively, this reinforced the need to use multiple sources of information, consider
cultural context, and not rely blindly on tools that may be biased.
Singh’s (2019) chapter added another important cognitive layer. Her discussion of how
individuals can “catch themselves in the flow of racism” made me reflect on subtle biases
that can enter counseling interactions. I realized that even without malicious intent,
assumptions shaped by culture and history can influence perceptions and behavior. This
recognition pushed me to slow down, observe my thoughts, and remain open to
continuous self-examination.
Behaviorally, the readings and videos allowed me to envision how I want to act
differently in future counseling sessions. The video with Ananya and Rieko demonstrated
how a counselor can support a client by honoring their cultural and spiritual worldview
rather than imposing Western norms. The counselor’s willingness to sit with discomfort
and remain curious stood out to me. This inspired me to practice deeper listening, ask
culturally attuned questions, and create space for clients to define healing for themselves.
Additionally, observing the culturally competent assessment process reminded me of the
importance of seeking supervision and consulting with culturally knowledgeable
professionals when working with clients whose backgrounds differ from my own.
The group discussion on racial awareness also influenced how I envision my behavior
moving forward. Stories shared by participants, especially Isabella’s immediate response
to a racist incident, highlighted the role of moral courage. Her willingness to intervene
reminded me that allyship requires action, not just awareness. Reflecting moments when I
remained silent after hearing prejudicial remarks helped me identify how I want to
respond differently in the future. I imagined asking, “Can you tell me where that belief
comes from?” to open dialogue, followed by offering an alternative perspective and
setting clear boundaries. These behavioral intentions reflect my commitment to
disrupting racism rather than passively witnessing it.
Affectively and spiritually, the learning process was both challenging and inspiring.
Hearing how history has been sanitized, such as the mythologized story of Thanksgiving
that erases Indigenous suffering, brought up sadness and frustration. At the same time, I
felt renewed motivation to participate in re-education that values truth and justice.
Spiritually, the Indigenous emphasis on balance resonated with my own belief that
healing includes connection to others and to something larger than oneself. The idea of
“the grief of racism,” discussed in the group reflection, also stayed with me. It helped me
name a feeling I have experienced but never labeled, the sorrow that arises when
recognizing injustice, complicity, or silence.
Listening to the group discussion rather than participating gave me space to observe the
emotional tone, expressions of discomfort, and moments of shared courage. This
reinforced the reality that conversations about race require vulnerability, humility, and
emotional resilience.
Overall, this process experience emphasized that cultural competence is
not a destination but an ongoing
of learning
journey , unlearning, and self-reflection. Cognitively, I gained
deeper awareness; behaviorally, I strengthened my commitment to responsive action; and
emotionally and spiritually, I felt both challenged and inspired. As I grow as a counselor,
I will continue to seek diverse perspectives, confront my biases, listen deeply, and honor
the cultural and spiritual traditions that shape clients healing journeys.
References
Singh, A. A. (2019). *The racial healing handbook: Practical activities
to help you challenge privilege, confront system
collective healing*. New Harbinger Publications.
Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Neville, H. A., & Smith, L. (2022). *Counseling the
culturally diverse: Theory and Practice
ed.). Wiley
* (10th .