asian american slides

Baruth and Manning Multicultural Counseling and Psychotherapy, 4th ed.

Copyright © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc.All Rights Reserved.1

Chapter 9 Understanding Asian American Clients

“Asian” refers to peoples from the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent

“Pacific Islander” refers to peoples from Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, and other Pacific Islands

Rapidly increasing populations in U.S.



Chapter 9 States with Significant Numbers of Asian Americans



Chapter 9 Regions of Residence by Region of the U.S.



Chapter 9 Poverty Status for Selected Age Groups



Chapter 9 Children:

Often considered “model minority” Behavior Achievement



Chapter 9Children – Communication:

Often come from bilingual backgrounds

English as second language AAC – augmentative and alternative

communication



Chapter 9Children - Families

View elders with respect and reverence

Learn specific family roles Influenced by high family expectations

of achievement Powerful message to not bring shame

to family



Chapter 9Adolescents:

Population aged 15 – 19 expected to rise to 1.17 million by 2010

Cultural emphasis placed on diligence, harmony, respect for elders, and family loyalty

Academic stereotypes mask individuality



Chapter 9Adolescents – Communication:

Recognize difficulty with English Nonverbal communication



Chapter 9Adolescents – Families:

Rigidly defined roles Son prized above daughter; given

more responsibility and greater influence

Family exerts control over interpersonal conduct and social relationships

Avoidance of shame



Chapter 9Adolescents – Challenges:

Family loyalty Achievement expectations Acculturation Rigid gender roles



Chapter 9Adults:

11.8% lived in poverty (2003) 18.7% lived without health insurance

(2003) Stereotypes of economic and

employment status Reluctant to discuss problems Religious values



Chapter 9Adults – Communication:

Speak at least 32 languages Uncomfortable with confrontation and

assertiveness Syntax, word endings, and terminology



Chapter 9Adults – Families:

Family first Cultural value of humility Family honor



Chapter 9 Family Types Among Asian Americans



Chapter 9Adults – Challenges:

Communication problems Common stereotypes Conflicting cultural expectations



Chapter 9Elderly:

Population age 65 and over 13.5% by 2010

Experienced racism, injustices, and discrimination

Many lack formal education Acculturation of various generations



Chapter 9 Asian Populations: 60 and Over



Chapter 9Elderly – Communication:

Reside in ethnic communities Unlikely to undertake learning a new

language



Chapter 9Elderly – Families:

Generational acculturation levels



Chapter 9Elderly – Challenges:

Belief that assistance is unnecessary Health issues Language barriers Poverty Drug use and suicide Increasing generational differences



Chapter 10 Counseling Asian American Clients

Potential problems for children: Failure to develop a strong cultural

identity Belief in “model minority” fallacy Differing cultural characteristics Conflicting cultural values Pressures to excel Communication problems



Chapter 10 Counseling Asian American Clients

Potential problems for children: Moving from family-centered world to

peer-centered world Family conflicts caused by that moving Parents unwilling to accept Western

viewpoints Smaller physical size



Chapter 10 Children - Counseling Considerations:

Determine individual strengths Determine degree of acculturation Understand reluctance to disclose

information to strangers Understand avoidance of confrontation

and/or emotional intensity Learn about the individual



Chapter 10 Children – Individual and Group Therapy:

Minimize competition Focus on the present Include parents and elders Take the role of mentor



Chapter 10 Children – Family Therapy:

Child may be reluctant to speak in front of parents

Father speaks for entire family May reflect poorly on the family



Chapter 10 Adolescents:

Potential problems for adolescents: Failure to develop a strong cultural identity Belief in “model minority” stereotype Failure to meet behavior expectations Differing family cultural characteristics Communication problems Conflicting cultural values, i.e. individualism vs.

family



Chapter 10 Adolescents:

Potential problems for adolescents: Conflicting cultural values, e.g.,

individualism vs. family Generational differences Developmental differences Expanding social interests Affects of racism and discrimination



Chapter 10 Adolescents – Counseling Considerations:

Seek advice from family not professionals

Acculturation and generational differences

Nonverbal communication styles Nondisclosure



Chapter 10 Adolescents – Individual and Group Therapy:

Build credibility for mental health services (career counseling)

Group therapy may threaten family honor

Nondisclosure



Chapter 10 Adolescents – Family Therapy:

Clients expect counselor to be more directive than passive

Counselor must convey confidence and disclose educational and work backgrounds



Chapter 10 Adults:

Potential problems for adults: Acceptance of “model minority” stereotype Effects of historical and contemporary

discrimination Low socioeconomic status Belief that discussing problems causes the

problems Communication problems



Chapter 10 Adults:

Potential problems for adults: Rigid, authoritarian family structures Acculturation Seeking aid reflects poorly on family Midlife problems Marriage and family situations



Chapter 10 Adults – Counseling Considerations:

Value interdependence, self-control, and repression of emotions

Short-term, goal-oriented solutions Stigma of mental illness – “bad blood”



Chapter 10 Counseling Chinese American clients:

Modulate voice tone Ask questions at appropriate times Demonstrate self confidence Do not paraphrase client Remain relatively still and project

expert persona Offer self-disclosing remarks



Chapter 10 Counseling Vietnamese American clients:

Build trust and concern for client & family

Understand and address communication barriers

Understand rigidly defined gender roles



Chapter 10 Counseling South Asian American clients:

Respect cultural identity and worldview Understand level of acculturation Clarify spiritual identity Provide multidimensional interventions Recognize life stage and age Client may not understand your

nonverbal communication



Chapter 10 Counseling South Asian American clients:

Recognize the role of humility Respect client’s integrity Clarify spiritual identity Allow yourself to be educated Use a relational style



Chapter 10 Adults – Individual and Group Therapy:

Counselor self-exploration Client orientation Group composition Rapport building Group orientation Group facilitation



Chapter 10 Adults – Individual and Group Therapy:

Suggestions for group leaders: Conduct an assessment Challenge members Test assumptions by verifying information

outside of group Help members receive feedback



Chapter 10 Adults – Family Therapy:

Focuses on one family member Protects the dignity of the individual

and preserves the honor of the family Allows defining of family relationships



Chapter 10Elderly:

Potential problems of elderly: Stereotypes Double or multiple jeopardy Discrimination and prejudice Cultural differences Poor language skills Distrust of agencies



Chapter 10Elderly:

Potential problems of elderly: Lack of education Reluctance to disclose personal

information Problems with developmental tasks Lack of systemically kept records Health concerns Communication or cultural barriers



Chapter 10 Elderly – Counseling Considerations:

Differing intergenerational expectations

Undemonstrative demeanor



Chapter 10 Elderly – Individual and Group Therapy:

Reluctance to reveal problems “Paying to talk” is difficult concept Emotional difficulties converted to

physical problems