Final answer:
A prime factor in the history of multicultural counseling is the need for cultural competence and recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds of individuals. The implementation of Sue and Sue's MCT model and contributions from ethnic minority psychologists have been significant. Awareness of the cultural impacts on mental health and treatment has driven advancements in the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prime factor in the history of multicultural counseling has been the recognition of the diverse cultural backgrounds of individuals and the need for cultural competence in the counseling practice. In the multicultural counseling and therapy (MCT) model, developed by Sue and Sue, it's emphasized that counselors must be competent in their understanding of culturally diverse clients and the influence of racism, discrimination, and stereotyping. Ethical duty, clinical effectiveness, legal responsibility, and societal mandate have all served as driving forces for the advancement of culturally competent counseling.
Contributions from ethnic minority women, like Martha Bernal and Inez Beverly Prosser, within psychology education, have also helped shape the field. Furthermore, the growing awareness of how diverse cultural backgrounds impact mental health and the effectiveness of treatment options has been a catalyst for change. The personal experiences of counselors and their clients have increasingly been utilized as valuable resources for understanding and improving therapy outcomes.