As a future counselor, developing and maintaining multicultural competencies is vital to my ability to counsel and work with others. When applying to the counseling program, the emphasis on equipping multicultural counselors through UTSA's program stuck out to me. As a hispanic woman, I recognize the importance of wanting to feel understood in the context of counseling. Culturally, my experiences have created who I am and in turn informed how I see the world. Similarly, clients come into session with their own experiences, backgrounds and culture. Creating space to get curious and understand who they are is imperative to the counseling process and having a person-centered approach. 

I remember sitting in multicultural class, nervous about the amount of reflecting to be done. As the semester went on, I found myself being immersed into new spaces and experiences. I recognized how my upbringing, culture and experiences had effected my worldview. Through assignments like our Immersion Experience Paper and our weekly reflections, I was able to take notice of different ways I can learn my place and role as a counselor in other people's contexts. 

I was also able to study abroad In Oaxaca, Mexico to learn more about different populations and their perspective of health/well-being. Immersing myself deeper Into other perspectives has provided unique skills and an understanding to always be curious. As I look to pursue my career, I will take with me the experiences, lessons and tools that were taught me through my time at UTSA. 

Counseling in Multicultural Settings Syllabus

Tips to Improve Cultural Competence