Working Globally: Advancing International Competencies in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

This major contribution presents results from a presidential initiative undertaken by Y. Barry Chung during his year as the president of the Society of Counseling Psychology to advance cross-cultural collaboration and promote understanding of international competencies in psychology. This initiative brought together 72 psychological professionals from 23 countries to address issues salient to the global field of counseling psychology. We utilized two models of international competencies to frame these issues, namely the dynamic-systemic-process model of international competencies and the cross-national cultural competence model. The introductory article reviews international efforts in counseling psychology and provides an overview of the three subsequent articles. The second article addresses how historical, economic, and sociopolitical events have shaped the development of counseling psychology in different countries. The third article discusses social justice competencies from an international perspective, and the fourth article focuses on development of competencies for international disaster mental health work.

Social Justice and International Competencies: Positioning Counseling Psychologists for the Global Era

“…These three mindsets include the following: (a) development of an ecological perspective, (b) implementation of dialectical thinking, and (c) cultivation of cross-cultural sensitivity through personal immersion experiences and establishment of long-term international relationships. In the next section, we anchor our discussion on the nine competencies as well as the two conceptual models, consistent with the focus of this Major Contribution (Nilsson et al, 2019).…”

“…In this article, we present international social justice competencies in an effort to broaden counseling psychologists' international reach. Our recommendations are based on extensive exchanges held among 11 counseling psychologists from seven different countries and/or cultural backgrounds over a period of 9 months (see Nilsson et al, 2019).…”

Refugees in Resettlement: Processes, Policies, and Mental Health in the United States

“…Counseling psychology, with its strong foundation in social justice, cultural diversity (e.g., DeBlaere et al, 2019; Goodman et al, 2004; Pieterse et al, 2009; Sue et al, 1999; Toporek et al, 2006), and voice on global concerns (e.g., Gerstein et al, 2009; Heppner et al, 2008; Inman et al, 2019; Leong & Bluestein, 2000; Nilsson et al, 2019; Wang & Çiftçi, 2019) is uniquely positioned to lead in the field with regard to refugee mental health. Our values center on the voices of the marginalized, on eliminating oppression, advancing and implementing research, and training sensitivity to international populations (Society of Counseling Psychology, n.d.).…”

Sociopolitical, Cultural, and Historical Contexts That Influence Counseling Practice in Four Countries

“…Two models of international competencies are highlighted in this Major Contribution (Nilsson et al, 2019) and guide our discussion: the crossnational cultural competencies (CNCC) model by Heppner, Wang, Heppner, and Wang (2012) and the dynamic-systemic-process model of international competencies (DSP-MIC; Gerstein, Hurley, & Hutchison, 2015). Both models emphasize that internationally competent counseling psychologists are aware of their own worldviews and attitudes toward cultural similarities and differences, possess knowledge of diverse worldviews and realities, and have the skills to interact and collaborate respectfully with people from different countries.…”