Munch, Click, Mmmm: The Sounds That Make People Angry
Misophonia can disrupt daily life and cause emotional and physical distress.
By C. Peeper McDonald, PhD, LPC, ACS
Multiracial individuals continue to be underrecognized in counseling and broader society, often forced into monoracial categories that do not reflect the fullness of their identities. As a biracial counselor who has experienced this firsthand, I’ve witnessed how well-meaning professionals can unintentionally contribute to this erasure. Instead, counselors can use practical strategies to validate and affirm the complex identities of multiracial counseling participants. Taking it a step further, counselors can reimagine themselves working with participants as opposed to clients. This reflects a more collaborative, person-centered approach that aligns with marginalization sensitivity within the counseling framework.
The marginalization of multiracial individuals stems from systemic, historical and social forces that simplify racial identity into neat boxes. In the counseling room, this shows up as racial mislabeling, limited intake options and assumptions that counseling participants identify with a single racial group. Such oversights can undermine therapeutic rapport, trigger microaggressions and hinder counseling participants’ identity development. As counselors, we are ethically called to recognize and address these dynamics, not only through personal awareness but through direct action in our practice and institutions.
Here are some practical strategies to help counselors enhance their cultural responsiveness and advocacy:
Counselors are uniquely positioned to address the invisibility of multiracial identities by integrating culturally humble practices into everyday work. Whether through intake forms, clinical conversations, supervision or institutional advocacy, small changes can have a profound impact. When we affirm the complexity of counseling participants’ identities, we affirm their humanity and fulfill our ethical duty to foster inclusive and empowering spaces for all.
Note: Opinions expressed and statements made in this blog do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions of ACA and its editors.
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