AI-generated imagery: a tool for culturally responsive counselor education

Multicultural counseling practices in diverse societies necessitate innovative educational tools to enhance cultural sensitivity among counseling trainees. This study examined the perceptions and challenges of counselor trainees on multicultural counseling utilizing Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Image-Generation techniques in Türkiye, a country known for its high level of multiculturalism. The main objective was to investigate the potential of visual aids in improving understanding and implementation of cultural sensitivity in counseling practices. The study utilized a multiple case-embedded design, which is a qualitative research method. The study involved five doctoral counselor trainees interacting with AI-generated images depicting various cultural settings. The content analysis revealed that the utilization of AI-generated images helped trainees in recognizing and respecting cultural diversity, developing their empathy and understanding of cultural sensitivities. Futhermore, these images served not only as educational tools but also as catalysts for personal reflection. The study emphasizes the potential of integrating generative AI tools in counselor education, particularly for fostering essential competencies such as cultural sensitivity and empathetic understanding. Counselor trainees’ learning outcomes can be improved by incorporating AI-generated images to enhance cultural sensitivity. Assessors and supervisors may need to consider the potential of generative AI in developing key counseling competencies when evaluating counselor training programs.