ABSTRACT
As we learn to apply the skills and techniques with our clients, we need to keep in mind that emotional dysregulation and distress are not only caused by inner experience, but also by life events and the external social environment. External social factors—race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status—may contribute to clients’ marginalized experiences, leading to their sense of powerlessness. Many people assume diversity is one and the same as multiculturalism. This is far from the truth. This chapter addresses the challenges faced by clients of diverse and multicultural background, such as bias and prejudice, racism and microaggressions. Through the numerous examples and the seven guidelines provided in this chapter, novice therapists will advance their confidence in effectively working with clients from diverse and multicultural backgrounds.
