By systematically learning certain principles and practicing certain skills, you can expect to gradually refine your leadership style and gain the confidence you need to use these skills effectively. Participation in a group as a member is one way of developing these skills. Another way is to lead a group with supervision. Feedback from group members, co-leader and supervisor are essential to the refinement of these leadership skills. Skills can be constantly improved you may use a videotape for visual feedback.

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Becoming an Effective Multicultural Group Counselor
Essential as our society becomes increasingly pluralistic (Multicultural)

This competency begins with the group leader's awareness of any cultural values, biases and attitudes that may be hindering their development of a positive view of pluralism. Sensitivity understanding and competence in working with in a multicultural perspective will benefit both minority clients and therapists. There are no ideal therapeutic approaches.

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Beliefs and Attitudes of Culturally Skilled Group Workers
Realize that group counseling might not be appropriate therapy for everyone
Use a referral to an appropriate agency

Effective group leaders don't allow their personal values or problems to interfere with their work with clients who are culturally different from them. Effective group workers monitor their functioning through consultation, supervision, and continuing education.

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Knowledge of Culturally Skilled Group Workers
Understand the dynamics of: oppression, racism, discrimination, and stereotyping

Values may not mix with cultural and family values (ex. traditional Asians do not like to disclose information with people outside of their family members)

Culturally effective group practitioners know specifically about their own racial and cultural heritage and how it affects them personally and professionally. They are aware of the institutional barriers that prevent minorities from utilizing the mental health services available in their community. The greater their depth and breadth of knowledge of culturally diverse groups, the more likely they are to be effective group workers.

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Skills and Intervention Strategies of Culturally Skilled Group Workers

Multicultural counseling is enhanced when practitioners use methods and strategies and define goals consistent with the life experiences and cultural values of their clients. They do not force their clients to fit within one counseling approach. They are willing to seek out educational, consultative, and training experiences to enhance their ability to work with culturally diverse clients.
Try to send and receive both verbal and nonverbal messages appropriately

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Recognizing Your Own Limitations

It is a good idea for leaders to ask members to provide them with the information they will need to effectively work with them. It helps to assess the client's degree of acculturation and identity development. Practitioners who truly respect the members in their group will patiently attempt to enter the world of their clients as much as they can.
Remember situations in which you felt the same sort of feelings and struggles