The Two Sues: Understanding Multicultural Counselling Competence
Level 4 Counselling Skills
An exploration of multicultural awareness, empathy, and inclusive counselling.
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The Two Sues: Understanding Multicultural Counselling Competence
Level 4 Counselling Skills
An exploration of multicultural awareness, empathy, and inclusive counselling.
Insert book cover image here →
Learning Objectives
• Understand cultural competence in counselling
• Recognise how cultural factors shape emotional expression
• Apply Sue & Sue’s principles to real-world practice
Sue & Sue (2019)
Who Are 'The Two Sues'?
Derald Wing Sue and David Sue – pioneers in multicultural counselling psychology.
“Cultural competence is an ongoing process, not a destination.”
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The Philosophy of the Two Sues
• Cultural competence is a lifelong journey
• Awareness, knowledge, and skills form the foundation
• Counsellors must examine their own biases
• Empathy and respect guide ethical practice
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Cultural Divisions
Cultural divisions include ethnicity, religion, language, class, and traditions.
They shape worldviews, communication styles, and expectations in counselling.
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Influence on Counselling
Culture affects emotional expression, communication, and therapy expectations.
Without awareness, misunderstanding and bias may occur.
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Emotional Expression Across Cultures
Different cultures express emotion differently.
Awareness helps counsellors mirror empathy effectively and respectfully.
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Power Differences in Counselling
Power can be inherent or perceived.
Balancing authority with collaboration fosters trust and equality.
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Reducing Perceived Power Differences
Encourage autonomy, use inclusive language, and maintain transparency.
Integrate clients’ beliefs and cultural values into the process.
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Advantages of Retaining Power
Provides structure, safety, and guidance.
Example: safeguarding protocols ensure ethical accountability.
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Disadvantages of Retaining Power
Can disempower clients or limit openness.
Ethical practice balances leadership and shared decision-making.
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Core Message of the Book
Multicultural counselling is about justice, empathy, and awareness.
Counsellors must recognise how power, privilege, and oppression affect clients.
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The Tripartite Framework
Counsellors must see clients as:
1. Unique individuals
2. Members of cultural groups
3. Part of the broader human family
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Sources of Bias and Microaggressions
Bias often operates unconsciously.
Microaggressions are subtle slights that can harm trust.
Recognising them builds authentic connection.
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Culturally Competent Counsellor Traits
• Openness and humility
• Continuous self-evaluation
• Seeking supervision and feedback
• Validating each client’s worldview
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Key Ethical Implications
Cultural competence aligns with ethical principles of respect and non-maleficence.
Ignorance of culture can cause ethical harm.
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Lasting Takeaways from Sue & Sue
Cultural competence = Awareness + Knowledge + Skills.
Growth means confronting bias with courage and humility.
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Reflection Activity
Think of a culture different from your own.
How might this shape your counselling style?
Note your thoughts in the handout.
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References
Sue, D.W. & Sue, D. (2019) Counseling the Culturally Diverse: Theory and Practice. 8th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Sue & Sue (2019)