Final Overview: Multicultural Counseling

Question 1

Native Americans

Answer 1

(Indian Americans or American Indians) often keep their suffering private, speak with few words and hesitate often. They do not engage in eye contact while talking or listening, do not live by the clock and tend to emphasize spirituality. Consider counseling them in their own homes. Story telling combined with advice giving is often effective.

Question 2

African Americans

Answer 2

like to be taught concrete skills and strategies
for change. Systems based family therapy that includes the
nuclear and extended family, short term counseling and behavioral
modalities are effective. Counselor self-disclosure, topics
related to spirituality and group work may be benefi cial.

Question 3

Asian Americans

Answer 3

have been called the most diverse group and
characterized as patriarchal. Academic and professional success
is valued. They often speak very low and desire assertiveness
training and therapies that emphasize insight or existential issues.
The counselor is seen as a trained expert.

Question 4

Hispanic and Latino/Latina Americans

Answer 4

often benefit from
catharsis and abreaction (getting feelings out.) Psychodrama
techniques, family therapy, and calling clients by their first names may well facilitate therapy. Separation from one’s family
of origin is not generally a goal of therapy.

Question 5

Machismo

Answer 5

The word machismo may be used to describe the fact that women are subservient to men and that men are expected to provide for the family.