Building Multicultural Competency

Reviews / Votes

This book is a must-read for students and professionals. Some of the most influential scholars and educators in the field talk honestly about ways to train multiculturally competent psychologists at all levels. The contributors talk about the challenges, but more critically, discuss concrete ways to train psychologistst as practitioners and scholars. Joe White and Sheila Henderson have indeed, provided a book of promising practices in multicultural training. But the real paradigm shift is that, as a whole collection, the editors of this book are creating institutional change. -- Nadya A. Fouad, Department of Educational Psychology, UW-Milwaukee Psychology's interest in multicultural competence is truly historic. White and Henderson have assembled a pioneering group of leaders who offer a model and vision of a more inclusive psychology that brings benefit to those who have been ignored for far too long. -- David B. Baker, Margaret Clark Morgan Director, Archives of the History of American Psychology, The University of Akron This outstanding book presents an integrative model for multicultural competency development. It captures the personal and institutional challenges and the lessons learned in the implementation of multicultural programs and initiatives at universities, training programs, counseling centers, and internships. One very unique feature of this book is its emphasis on the importance of mentoring the next generation of ethnic minority students and its discussion of cross-cultural mentoring. This pioneering book provides the roadmap to help all of us to have the challenging dialogues that contribute to multicultural understanding. -- Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Rutgers University In Building Multicultural Competency, White and Henderson provide an excellent roadmap for the future of training American mental health professionals in the discipline of psychology. The book lays out where mental health training has been, where it is now, and how to get to where we need to be in order to have a profession that is marked by justice and equity. White and Henderson delineate the background of cultural trauma and then beautifully articulate a new model of training that they call the Multiracial/Multiethnic/Multicultural Competency Building Model. Their chapters are followed by examples of training in various university and institutional settings and by brief chapters on some of the core issues that continue to be important: resistance, mentoring, and training the next generation. Chapter authors express both successes and continuing challenges, which actually help balance the book and keep it from being overly optimistic and simplistic. -- Wade E. Pickren Honest and open discussion of difficult issues.... This 'how-to' resource provides guidance when it comes to teaching multicultural issues and diversity...highly recommend it to all instructors. -- Stephanie J. Waterman * Counseling Today * Over the years I have discovered that when struggling with a big question answers to consider always appear. Such was the case when determining how to most authentically teach and learn about multiculturalism, one of the cornerstones of our new College. For me Promising Practices in Multicultural Competency Training came right on time with the perfect information! White and Henderson have thoughtfully compiled for both new and older voyagers, a comprehensive guide for journeying into the world of multiculturalism- from concept to practice. -- Darlyne Bailey, Dean, Campbell Leadership Chair in Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota