ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book focuses on the current status of multicultural counseling and the effects of cultural, intracultural, lifespan, sexual orientation, gender, and disability differences among clients, as well as rehabilitation counseling, the continuing challenges associated with racism and discrimination, and the dangers of basing counseling decisions on erroneous generalizations. Increased knowledge of cultural diversity and lifespan development and improved understanding of how they are interrelated contribute to better relationships between clients and counselors and to more favourable outcomes. Multicultural counseling is beginning to come into its own. Increasing numbers of professionals are recognizing the need to consider a client's cultural background and valued cultural traditions and expectations. Continued advances in the area of lifespan growth and development are enhancing counselors' understanding of clients' developmental periods. In the twenty-first century, professionals will be better able to provide counseling services that are culturally and developmentally appropriate.
