| This qualitative study explored the experiences of counseling trainees and psychologists engaged in facilitating Diversity Dialogues, an experiential multicultural training initiative, and how they perceived facilitation contributed to their counseling skill development and general professional development. Through exploring the behavioral and affective experiences associated with facilitation, this study sought to inform and extend the impact of multicultural counseling training on the multicultural counseling skills development of counseling trainees.;Results indicate that the Diversity Dialogues offered a unique learning experience that promoted development in the areas of microskills, clinical group process skills, cultural competency skills, and session management skills. Furthermore, the opportunity to actively engage in discussions on diversity, self-reflect, work alongside a co-facilitator, practice skills in a safe space, and facilitate multiple dialogues were key factors that contributed to skill development. Although the participants initially expressed anxiety about dialogue facilitation, participants appreciated contributing to the multicultural development of others and described gaining confidence in their professional abilities as a result of the overall experience. Results also indicate that Diversity Dialogue facilitation bridges the gap between theory and practice and meet many of the training standards supported by The Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity (Mintz & Bieschke, 2009).;Findings of the study contribute to research in the areas of multicultural counseling competency, multicultural counseling training, experiential training, and intergroup dialogue as evidence suggests that Diversity Dialogue facilitation provided a unique learning environment that promoted reflection and skills growth in the study participants across education and experience level. Counseling training programs are encouraged to reevaluate their model of multicultural counseling training and consider the implications for including a dialogical approach to multicultural counseling skills development. Furthermore, recommendations for implementation are presented. |
