Publisher's Synopsis
This sixth edition will attempt to build on the strengths of its five predecessors. It will also be an attempt to incorporate insights gained from listening to those who used one or more of the five previous editions in their counseling studies or practice. Like the previous editions, the goal of this book is to present culturally competent intervention strategies for professional counselors working with, or preparing to work with, diverse client groups in a variety of settings. It will provide practicing counselors and those preparing to enter the profession with direction for culturally competent mental health intervention.
The focus of this edition is on cultural experiences related to racial or ethnic factors in counseling. It deals with the counseling and human development needs of people identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). While it is important to recognize that race/ethnicity is not the only factor that influences mental health, it is a critical one that cannot be ignored. First, many racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. have experienced centuries of systemic discrimination, oppression, and trauma. These experiences can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. In contemporary society, BIPOC individuals often face disparities in education, healthcare, employment, and the criminal justice system. These disparities can contribute to stress, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues. Second, diverse BIPOC groups have unique worldviews, values, and beliefs that can influence their understanding of mental health and the traditional counseling process. Professional counselors, therefore, need to be aware of and sensitive to these cultural factors to establish rapport and provide effective interventions. Although race/ethnicity is but one aspect of a person's identity, a focus on this factor can help counselors understand the complex interplay of others such as gender, class, sexual orientation, and disability.
The ideas presented in the book will be developed out of both the professional and personal experiences of the contributing authors. A concerted effort will be made throughout the book to explore the cultural dynamics of the selected groups in as non-stereotypical fashion as possible. One pervasive theme throughout the book will be that all people in a particular group do not act or think in the same manner and that, while cultural knowledge is important, it is critical to approach each client as a unique individual.
