What is "cultural awareness," and how does it differ from cultural competence?

Cultural awareness involves the ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the differences and similarities between cultures. This recognition is foundational in the context of multicultural counseling, as it allows practitioners to acknowledge their own cultural biases and the cultural backgrounds of their clients. It is about developing an understanding of the various cultural influences that can affect individuals’ behavior, values, and worldviews.

Cultural competence, on the other hand, takes this understanding a step further. It encompasses not just awareness but also the skills and behaviors required to effectively communicate and work in cross-cultural situations. Cultural competence involves applying the insights gained from cultural awareness to provide effective and sensitive interventions tailored to individuals from diverse backgrounds. In essence, cultural competence is the actionable and practical application of the understanding gained through cultural awareness.

Therefore, the correct distinction highlights that cultural awareness serves as the foundational step in developing cultural competence, making it necessary for improving interactions in a multicultural counseling setting.