CHAPTER 14 COUNSELING AFRICAN AMERICANS

African Americans Various issues plague African Americans:  unemployment  poverty  high prison rates  lower levels of education  these issues can primarily be attributed to racism

African Americans  However, the African American community is becoming more diverse with respect to social class, education level, and political orientation  Many African American households are headed by women, embrace extended family networks, have strong religious orientations, and accept varied gender roles

Educational Orientation  African American parents encourage their children to develop career and educational goals at an early age in spite of the obstacles produced by racism and economic conditions  Behavioral problems in school may be due to racism

Spirituality  Many African Americans are very spiritual and find their church communities to be very supportive  Counselors should advise clients to seek support through churches

Racism and Discrimination  Racism exists in subtle and overt forms  Mistrust is a reaction to being discriminated against  Counselors should be aware of mistrust and work to earn client’s trust

Guidelines for Clinical Practice During the first session, it may be beneficial to bring up the reaction of the client to a counselor of a different ethnic background (e.g. “Sometimes clients feel uncomfortable working with a counselor of a different race; would this be a problem for you?”) If the clients are referred, determine their feelings about counseling and how it can be made useful for them Identify the expectations and worldviews of the African American clients, find out what they believe counseling is, and explore their feelings about counseling Establish an egalitarian relationship

Guidelines for Clinical Practice Determine whether and how the client has responded to discrimination and racism both in unhealthy and healthy ways. Also examine issues around racial identity (many clients at the preencounter stage will not believe that race is an important factor) Assess the positive assets of the client, such as family (including relatives and nonrelated friends), community resources, and the church Determine the external factors that might be related to the presenting problem Help the client define goals and appropriate means of attaining them After the therapeutic alliance has been formed, determine the interventions collaboratively