Sue and Zane (1987).
Technique Oriented Suggestions for Minority
Groups (EX. Asian-Americans are more culturally used to counseling, direction
and structure--so are Hispanics, who are comfortable with a present time
orientation and Filipino‑Americans, with whom one should avoid
introspection and touchy‑feely techniques) are helpful, but should not be
used blindly because of a wide range of differences in minorities.
Knowledge
of the degree of enculturation is important so ethnic matches don’t become cultural
mismatches. An ethnic match may produce ascribed credibility, but this is
secondary to achieved credibility. Sue advocates “gift giving” to help achieved
credibility, for example, Normalization: “Your feelings are not crazy. They are
what anyone would feel in your situation.” Other gifts include: Relief from
anxiety and depression, Cognitive clarity, Reassurance, Hope and faith, and Skills
acquisition. Within 2 or 3 sessions therapists should: (A) Convey a
conceptualization of the problem congruent with the client’s belief structure,
(B) Provide an outline of treatment that is culturally acceptable, and C)
Establish culturally reasonable goals. Therapists should assess their own
credibility on a case by case basis.
Sue, Zane, & Young---Therapy with culturally diverse populations. (Handbook Chapter
from 1994).
Sue et al.,
emphasize within-culture heterogeneity.
African-Americans
and Anerican-Indians overutilize
mental health (MH) services; Asian-Americans and Latino-Americans (who are more
likely to have English as a second language) underutilize services.
In general,
African-Americans and Asian-Americans improve as much as whites; Latinos (esp.
Mexican Americans) may improve more. Not enough data on American Indians.
There is a
general preference for ethnic matches by clients.
PROCESS
African-Americans often function
from an interpersonal orientation; which may differ from white therapists; who
frequently may have an instrumental or goal orientation.
American-Indians value:
1. Sharing and redistribution VS.
Acquisition
2. Cooperation VS. Competition
3. Noninterference VS. Intervention
4. Harmony with nature VS. Control
5. Present VS. Future planning
6. Extended family VS. Nuclear
Asian-Americans:
1. prefer and
expect a more directive problem-solving approach.
2. also tend not
to make a strong distinction between emotional and physical problems, and
attribute both to bodily imbalances.
3. believe that
M.H. is enhanced by self-discipline and avoidance of negative thinking.
4. often refrain
from verbalizing emotions. Instead, they use gestures, metaphors, and exchange
of material as the language of emotions.
5. value extended
family arrangements based on structured, hierarchal role, relationships and
collectivism.
6. they also
value group achievement, “face”, and emotional restraints.
- Latinos:
1. prefer
directive therapist style.
*Many culturally
sensitive treatments developed (Cuento) importance of
family.
New information from 2004 Handbook
Chapter, “Research on psychotherapy with culturally diverse populations” by
Zane, Hall, Sue, Young, and Nunez.
30% of the population
of the
The American Indian population is
the
The 11.2 Asian Americans in the
Latino/a
Americans (32.4 million) are projected to become the largest ethnic minority
group by 2005. There is a strong
emphasis on respect for elders and an emphasis on family. Directive counseling
continues to be preferred.
GARNETS ET AL. 1991
EXEMPLARY PRACTICES
1. A therapist (T.) uses the understanding
of the societal prejudice experienced by gay men and lesbians (G.M. and L.) to
guide therapy, to help G.M. and L. to overcome negative ideas about homosexuality .
2. T. recognizes that his/her own sexual
orientation may be relevant and tries to recognize possible limitations.
3. T. does not attempt to change the
sexual orientation of a client without strong evidence that this is the
appropriate course of action.
4. T. helps client to develop a positive
G.M. or L. identity and understands how the client’s negative attitude to
homosexuality may complicate this process.
5. T. is knowledgeable about the diverse
nature of G.M. and L. relationships and supports and validates their potential
for the client.
6. T. recognizes the potential importance
of extended and alternate families for G.M. and L.
7. T. recognizes the effects of societal
prejudice on G.M. and L. relationships and parenting.
8. T. understands that the family of
origin of G.M. and L. may need education and support.
9. T. is familiar with needs and treatment
issues of G.M. and L., and uses relevant M.H., education, and G.M. and L.
community resources.
10. T. recognizes the importance of educating
professionals, students, supervises, and others about G.M. and L. issues and actively counters misinformation or
bias about G.M. and L.
BERGIN 1991
VALUES AND RELIGIOUS ISSUES
Therapists
are more religious than one might expect:
Clinical
Psychologists All
Therapists General Population
Regular
church attendees---------------33%------------------------------------41%-------------------------40%
“I try hard
to live by my
religious
beliefs.”------------------------65%--------------------------------------
77%-------------------------84%
“My whole
approach to
life is
based on my religion.”-----------33%------------------------------------
46%-------------------------72%
Only 29% of
therapists rated religious/spirituality content as important in treatment
behind:
1. competent perception and expression of feelings. (87%)
5. human relatedness/family commitment. (73%)
9. regulated
sexual fulfillment. (49%)
Religious
values:
intrinsic- person internalizes religious
beliefs and is responsible and socially conscious. A positive correlation with
mental health and tolerant attitudes
extrinsic- person uses religion as a means of
attaining security and status; becomes less flexible, dogmatic, and
authoritarian