Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Issues in Counseling and Psychotherapy

Many counseling and psychology related organizations have
recognized the need for counselors and psychologists to become
more multicultural in their practice.
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Race/ethnicity and culture must be considered when using
theoretical orientations, when training counselors and in practice.

A balance needs to be found between differences (emic) and
commonalities (etic).
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Diversity in Groups

Groups are an important tool for addressing racism, sexism,
religious intolerance, homophobia etc.

Greater recognition has been centered on the diversity of
group members and how culture impacts groups.

Most theories were developed in working with white, male,
middle-class clients and may not be applicable to other
groups without adaptation.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Diversity in Groups

The diverse make-up of the group also sends messages. For
example in schools, group composition and subject topic need to
be carefully constructed. If only certain ethnicities are represented
and the topic is about bullying, then what does that say to group
members and the greater population.

Another consideration is that the more diverse or heterogeneous
the group, the less likely it is to become cohesive early in the group
process or even at all.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Diversity in Groups
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A group that is too alike or homogeneous runs a risk of engaging in
“group think.”
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If forming a racially heterogeneous group, it is important to include
more than just one member of a race. Otherwise, group members
may look to that person to represent the whole race and it may
isolate that member who is different from the others.

It is important to directly address the diversity of a group.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Implementation and Preparation for a Diverse Group

Define Goals: Are the goals and values that will be established
congruent with the values and beliefs of the cultures represented?

Select Members: How do issues of diversity influence who is or
who is not in the group? What are the levels of racial identity
development of the leader and group members?

Establish Norms: How open will group members be to discussing
issues of diversity?
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Implementation and Preparation for a Diverse Group

Manage the Process: Group leaders need to have training in
diversity issues so that they can recognize issues that hinder or
enhance group process.

Evaluate the Outcome: How did diversity issues play out in the
sessions? If diversity issues are directly considered, did group
members reach goals?

Multicultural groups mirror the greater society and inter-member
relationships can have a profound impact on group dynamics.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Marginalized Groups

A marginalized person is one who has suffered discrimination and
oppression.

Many people who have been marginalized have feelings of
suspicion, cynicism and pessimism.

It is important not to assume things about the marginalized person’s
experiences.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Marginalized Groups

We often place a individual into a group with others when those
“others” represent the group of the oppressor to that individual.
We then expect that individual to share his or her most intimate
thoughts, ideas or feelings within a group where he or she does not
feel safe. This might set the individual up for a negative or hurtful
experience.

Cultural insensitivity on the part of a leader or other group members
can enhance feelings of mistrust, suspiciousness and alienation
and hinder feelings of belonging and acceptance.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Marginalized Groups

Diversity is not just about race or ethnicity. It also includes
disabilities, age, gender, and sexual orientation among others.

All group members and leaders bring biases and prejudices to the
group. How much this hinders and hurts the group is up to the
leader. Awareness of diversity issues is imperative. All group
members have a right to feel safe and respected.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Group Work With Marginalized Members
Group leaders need to:

Understand that many people from marginalized groups have been
hurt and are often suspicious and tentative in their participation.

Remember not to stereotype. There is as much diversity within
groups as there is between groups.

Be culturally sensitive to issues of self-disclosure. Some cultures
view this as a form of weakness or betrayal.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Group Work With Marginalized Members
Group leaders need to:

Ask the person how he or she wants to be identified. Group
leaders don’t apply their own labels or make assumptions.

Be aware of the power differential as a group leader and how that
might be perceived if the counselor is of the majority culture and
group member(s) are from a minority culture(s).
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Group Work With Marginalized Members
Group Leaders need to:

Be aware of the level of acculturation and cultural identity of
individual group members. Not attending to this information
increases the likelihood that the marginalized person will feel
misunderstood and will drop out or have a negative experience.

The process of empowerment is important in marginalized groups
otherwise the oppression is perpetuated.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Group Work With Marginalized Members
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It is important for white counselors to be aware of white privilege.

It is important not to be color-blind or act like race does not matter.
It is the polar opposite of racism and even though usually done
though good intentions, can have similar hurtful effects because it
shows lack of respect for culture.

Group leaders of any ethnic background face challenges when
leading a racially mixed group. It is important to validate a group
member’s feelings and point of view although you may not agree
with it.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Group Guidance Related to Race and Ethnicity

Issues of race and ethnicity can be explored in groups especially in
schools. Counselors can help by:

Helping members accept and appreciate differences in
others.

Teaching appropriate terminology when discussing
diversity issues.

Helping members explore their own biases and prejudices.

Teaching about diverse cultures and ethnic groups.
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Diversity Issues in Group Counseling
Becoming a Multiculturally Competent Group Leader
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Educate yourself (e.g. read literature, attend workshops, or classes
that focus on other cultures and ethnicities).
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Identify your own racial or ethnic origin and the privileges or
liabilities that have historically come with it.

Understand ethnocentrism in the mental health field.

Visit and get to know people from outside your own group.
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