Training Counseling Psychologists as Social Justice Agents: Feminist and Multicultural Principles in Action

Despite recent calls for counseling psychology to embrace social justice-oriented work, there has been little discussion about what such work actually looks like. The first part of this article derives a set of principles from feminist and multicultural counseling theories that counseling psychologi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Counseling psychologist 2004-11, Vol.32 (6), p.793-836
Main Authors: Goodman, Lisa A., Liang, Belle, Helms, Janet E., Latta, Rachel E., Sparks, Elizabeth, Weintraub, Sarah R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Counseling
Counselling psychologists
Feminism
Involvement
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism & pluralism
Psychologists
Social justice
Training
USA
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Summary:Despite recent calls for counseling psychology to embrace social justice-oriented work, there has been little discussion about what such work actually looks like. The first part of this article derives a set of principles from feminist and multicultural counseling theories that counseling psychologists should consider as they engage in social justice work. These include (a) ongoing self-examination,(b) sharing power, (c) giving voice, (d) facilitating consciousness raising, (e) building on strengths, and(f) leaving clients the tools to work toward social change. The second part of the article describes a program designed to integrate social justice work into the core curriculum of the Boston College doctoral program. The authors discuss ways in which the above principles have shaped students; activities, and some of the ethical dilemmas that have emerged. Finally, the article under-scores professional obstacles that counseling psychologists doing social justice work are likely to face, and offers recommendations for overcoming them.
ISSN:0011-0000
1552-3861
DOI:10.1177/0011000004268802