This in-depth paper analyzes the issues and problems facing minorities in the U.S. while focusing on the critical need for counselors who are trained to effectively handle and counsel people of various ethnic backgrounds.
Abstract This well-researched paper defines multicultural counseling as a relationship in which the counselor and the client belong to different cultural groups, hold different assumptions about social reality and subscribe to different world views. The writer discusses the role of multicultural counselors while stressing the need to increase their understanding of the culture, life history and social circumstances of the people they are counseling. This paper cites relevant statistics and reports pertaining to this topic including the U.S. Census Bureau which states in recent reports that minorities currently make up one-quarter of the U.S. population. This paper examines issues of acculturation, cultural history and norms as well as intergenerational conflicts in two specific families, one South Vietnamese and the other Mexican-American while also detailing the type of counseling recommended for each family. The writer contends and explains why it is imperative for counselors to treat their clients as individuals without stereotyping the cultural characteristics of one specific person to those in the broader cultural community.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Multicultural Counseling Importance of Multicultural Counseling Acculturation
The Helping Relationship
Case Study One - The Vu's
Case Study Two - The Santiago's
Role of Supervision
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "When researching a specific culture, it is also important for counselors to be alert to any cultural stereotyping that might be uncovered. For instance, Buriel stated, "Mexican Americans as a group possess characteristics known to be negatively associated with many work attitudes, have experienced the effects of past and current discrimination, and are believed by some to be limited in their economic and occupational advancement." If counselors failed to investigate further, they would be limiting their understanding of Mexican Americans, as well as stereotyping all individuals of Mexican American descent, which would limit the effectiveness of counseling."
Tags: therapy, counseling, treatment, cultural, conflict, ethnic, u.s., immigration, aid
Abstract This study investigated the effects of home-based counseling in improving the personal self-concept, overall social behavior and academic achievement of inner city at-risk African American adolescents, aged 12 to 21. It was hypothesized that if a counselor could be exposed to, and take into consideration, the at-risk adolescent's home and community environment, a holistic outlook might be beneficial in recommending effective, successful intervention tactics with both short and long term benefits.
From the Paper "The concept of home-based visits and counseling is not new: in recent decades, mental health professionals have been visiting their clients in their homes for a variety of reasons including the provision of services to those unlikely or unwilling to seek out and maintain regular contact in more traditional settings and to provide comprehensive, integrated treatment approaches for clients with multidimensional needs. Clinical observation and empirical research supports the potential effectiveness of home-based services. Appropriate intervention can help individual clients and families in crisis or at risk to be served, stabilized and supported in their own homes; research also supports the fact that clients, whether individuals or families, facing multiple problems of poverty, few social supports, severe psychosocial disturbance, social stigma and prejudice, and limited access to employment, housing and other resources often need ongoing support to sustain a successful environment from which a student may confidently base academic achievement .and crisis free living. (Newton, 30-31)."
Tags: learn, counsel, treatment, therapy, african, culture, students
Abstract The paper reviews the treatment literature for Hispanic-Americans and African-American patients through consideration of the cultural and ethnic variables. The paper explains that these are critical aspects in the consideration of matching a client to program services. The paper also identifies those aspects of the culture that should be incorporated into more standard treatment programs. Based on the review of literature, a set of best practice guidelines and a set of counselor competencies are developed that support the integration of cultural variables into treatment services.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Characteristics of the Culturally Skilled Counselor
Counseling: The African American Individual
Counseling: The Hispanic Individual
Best Practice Guidelines and Counselor Competences
From the Paper "The counseling professional takes certain attitudes, beliefs, and pre-conceptions with them into the therapy session that may or may not be conducive to the proper and effective treatment of their clients. Specifically certain preconceived notions based on race, ethnicity, or culture may serve to be negative in their effect and even harmful to the well-being of the client being counseled. It is critically important that these issues be addressed during the education and training of the professional counselor in order to prepare the counselor for effectively assessing and counseling their clients in their professional practice.
Existent as well are the factors associated with differences that exist between the races, and specifically in this work the focus will be the African-American and Hispanic race. The cultural differences existent between these two races are pronounced and must be considered separately instead of giving consideration only to cultures other than the predominant White culture, each of these races must be accorded separate consideration by the professional counselor in order for therapy to be effective."
Abstract This study proposes to study the impact of personality traits on the treatment of depression among the elderly. It analyzes the results through the examination of NEO-Five-Factor-Inventory scores in comparison to improvements of Beck Depression Inventory scores between baseline and outcome measures in three experimental treatment conditions (antidepressants, psychotherapy and combination therapy). The study hypothesizes that combination therapy is significantly more effective than the other treatment conditions in the reduction of depressive symptoms and that personality traits are significantly associated with treatment outcomes.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "Research has determined that forms of psychosocial intervention, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, cognitive bibliotherapy, reminiscence group therapy, and problem-solving group therapy, may be effective treatment interventions for geriatric depression. A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication might be an appropriate treatment for individuals presenting with moderate to severe depression. A study by Thompson, Coon, Gallagher-Thompson, Sommer & Koin (2001) examined the efficacy of a specific antidepressant medication (Desipramine), a specific psychotherapy (CBT), and a combination approach, (CBT and Desipramine), in the treatment of depression among the elderly. The results indicated that, although patients in all three treatment conditions experienced substantial improvement in their depressive symptoms, the patients receiving the combination treatment and those receiving CBT alone showed greater improvements than those patients that only received Desipramine. Therefore, the researchers concluded that CBT is an effective treatment for depression in older adults, and that the combination of pharmacotherapy and CBT may be of particular usefulness among patients who do not effectively respond to either antidepressants or psychotherapy alone."
Abstract A review of a study which investigates the effectiveness of individual spiritual and cognitive-behavioral counseling for substance abuse. The subjects used are 30 male and female adults, who volunteered to be counseled by the investigator. The paper includes a copy of an information questionnaire which was used to determine their diagnosis of substance abuse, and qualify for study participation. The research made use of The McMullin Addiction Thought Scale (MAT) for the pre and post test.
Contents:
Statement of the Problem & Study Purpose
Theoretical Orientation
Hypothesis
Definition of Terms
Literature Review
Substance Abuse Treatments Spiritual Treatment Methodology
Procedures
Data Analysis
Limitations
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Research has reported that specialists in the addictions field remain unable to define the factors necessary for effective substance abuse treatment, including competencies and scope of practice needed. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy has been viewed as an optimal treatment for addiction (Crits-Cristoph, 1999, p. 3), others have determined that interpersonal counseling with antidepressants was effective (Covi, Hess, Kreiter, & Haertzen, 1995, p. 341). Since findings are unclear, it appears that further study of the efficacy of substance abuse treatment programs is warranted."
Abstract This paper studies the issues regarding the integration of religious beliefs into counseling. The paper looks at the benefits of a spiritual and religious approach to counseling, why this approach has been neglected for so long, the negative consequences that can occur when spirituality is not part of the counseling framework, and the ethical challenges posed to the integration of religion and spirituality into counseling. The paper also describes ways in which spirituality and religion can be integrated into the therapeutic process and highlights what is most beneficial about each approach.
From the Paper "The complexities involved with psychology and the Christian faith are complicated. John Carter, author of The Integration of Psychology and Theology, states that some Christians embrace psychology for answers to problems that are not clearly defined in scripture. In addition, they also look outside the church because they church may only offer such solutions as more prayer and a more committed Christian walk, but "certainly not psychotherapy" (1979 Carter 12). In addition, pastors encounter a similar impasse for not being able to provide answers that relate to a deeper understanding of human psychology. Some pastors may even fear being ?disloyal to God and his word,? which may create anxiety. This anxiety adds to the complexity of the problems associated with introducing religion into psychology."
Abstract This paper studies the interplay between ethics and laws in counseling. Based on a case study of a client with addictive and self-destructive tendencies, the paper studies how ethics impact issues such as client confidentiality and truthfulness on the part of the counselor. Other issues the paper explores include client-centered counseling that considers the culture of the client and development of a treatment plan relevant to the client's perspective and goals.
Abstract In this article, the writer focuses on finding efficient treatment for obesity among female college students. The suggested therapeutic approach is group therapy, for reasons which are detailed in the paper. The selection of the population is made on a voluntary basis, through class announcements and bulletin boards. The writer concentrates on the aspects of group therapy (theoretical debates and importance), selection of the participants and group method, starting assumption and expected results. Moreover, the methodological theoretical framework of constituting the groups and the work with the patients is presented and detailed. The writer concludes that as the cases of obese and overweight people are multiplying in the United States, the importance of treatment and therapy has also become a matter of social importance.
From the Paper "The fact that the persons involved in this therapeutical project are exclusively women can be supported by several theoretical arguments. First of all, women are more concerned with and more affected by the aesthetic norms than men, which is basically a reflection of a socially manufactured division of roles and of a certain definition of feminity. Second, the cultural factors are corroborated with the family environment, particulalrly a stress placed on the importance of appearance for future success in the discourse of the adults, when socializing the female child for her future social and family life. The combination of all these factors - cultural patterns and constrains, family environment, media and the stereotype of beauty - make women more susceptible to be affected by eating disorders than men. Even if obesity is not an exclusively feminine attribute, but it is almost as common between men, they do not perceive it as an obstacle for their social existence or for their self-esteem, correlating it rather with health issues."
This paper discusses the challenges confronting social workers and other counseling professionals in providing intervention and prevention services to juvenile delinquents and other adolescents referred to juvenile rehabilitation centers.
Abstract This paper explains that working alliances between disparate rehabilitation system caregivers, justice system professionals and parents are the most effective means of achieving desirable behavioral and attitudinal changes. The paper states that acting-out or delinquent behavior is recognized as an associated feature of adolescent depression disorders. The author believes that the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a valuable tool in assisting caseworkers, social workers and counselors in developing effective treatment regimens.
From the Paper "Miser (1996) commented that difficulty in the assessment and treatment of juvenile delinquents can be explained by social labeling theory. In this theory, it is posited that any delinquent act, regardless of underlying causes, is a legal construct that carries a label capable of influencing the clinical judgment of those who assess and then treat such clients. Abnormal behavior is defined in terms of a legal violation and some type or degree of punitive treatment or response is then required. The mere act of labeling the youthful offender as "delinquent" produces adverse effects on self-concept, which is believed by some to insulate against delinquency. Lower levels of self-concept are associated with deviant labels. Counseling the youthful offender therefore often focuses on development of a positive self-concept or image."
Abstract This paper discusses how the evolvement of the women's movement has set in motion historic changes that not only change women's lives but men's lives as well. It analyzes how men have begun to redefine their role in the world to incorporate their individual needs and contributions to the family, workplace and society. It shows how, as these roles change and become redefined, there are many implications for the mental health profession and how, as the world moves into the future, it is important to understand these changes so that men can be given the most up to date and currently effective treatments for their mental health issues, as related to their emerging new roles in the world.
From the Paper "Historically men were expected to be strong and not need to talk things out with others while women were allowed to falter and need support. With the new emerging roles of men that society is experiencing this is a changing mindset but is not completely changed yet. This is why online counseling for men is one form of change that is a positive implication. Men are slowly accepting their new roles and admitting that they too sometimes need assistance sorting out their feelings, desires, mistakes and goals. In addition many men today have been raised by parents from the old school and are now experiencing the same double message that women have dealt with for decades."
Abstract A look at the role of assertion and self-efficacy in the counseling process. The author examines the uses of assertion from the client and the counselor's perspective.
From the Paper "Assertiveness, along with self-efficacy, plays an important role in the counseling process. To be effective, various situations often require assertive responses and approaches. Counselors can help a great deal in understanding issues that stand in the way of self-esteem, assertion, and self-efficacy, by directing clients toward re-examining their assumptions."
Abstract This paper critically evaluates the integration of Person-Centered, Behavior, and Family Systems theories as they apply to counseling adolescents with substance abuse history. The paper will also reveal the therapy approaches in school, group, and private settings.
From the Paper "In the United States, substance abuse is a grave dilemma across all sections of the population. Various studies have concluded that substance abuse is the most devastating and the most common mind disorder among Americans. Researchers have established that substance abuse is the foremost enduring health dilemma, and the foremost prison dilemma in the United States. Substance abuse has got a lot of attention in the prevalent, as well as practiced literature in current years. The dilemmas of community statistics with numerous illegal substances receive almost weekly attention in the media (Clayton and Elsie, 1997). Given this observation, the excessive occurrence of substance abuse in the society, the financial expenses, and the costs in human distress, it is very important that counseling specialists are educated on the subject of substance abuse as a disability."
Abstract This paper reviews how the increase of female drug abuse has changed how American families have adapted. It also looks at the burdens that are placed upon their children, their families and the court system. The paper then discuss some of the benefits to women and their families when they are placed in gender-specific drug treatment facilities.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Life History of a Female Drug User
Obstacles
Community Influences
The Impact on Families
Types of Treatment Available
Conclusion
From the Paper "Court ordered out patient treatment is another benefit for female addicts. Court ordered treatment allows an offender to receive drug treatment therapy and counseling in lieu of going to jail for a criminal act. Many areas have Drug Courts, that mirrors court ordered out patient treatment. Out patient treatment allows the women to remain free in order to care for their households and children, but they are mandated to remain clean. The women are assigned a probation officer, who ensures the completion of mandatory guidelines established by the judge. Frequent drug test are conducted to determine if the women are drug free, and most are required to attend NA meetings, parenting seminars, and vocational training. All of the requirements are geared to reducing the rates of relapse and recidivism of the women. Drug court is usually available for 1st time offenders."
This paper studies three books: 'Brief Counseling in Action' by John M. Littrell, 'Counseling Children and Adolescents' by Ann Vernon and 'Career Counseling' by Norman C. Gysbers, Mary J. Heppner and Joseph A. Johnston.
Abstract This paper provides book report on three books regarding counseling. The three books discussed are: 'Brief Counseling in Action' by John M. Littrell, 'Counseling Children and Adolescents' by Ann Vernon and 'Career Counseling' by Norman C. Gysbers, Mary J. Heppner and Joseph A. Johnston. The reports examine the author's main points. The writer of this article discusses the validity of these points, critical issues raised, language used, types of evidence (primary, secondary) and looks at what the books have in common. The paper also discusses the relevance of the books to a B.A. degree in Counseling and reveals what was learned from the books.
From the Paper "This book is an introduction to brief therapy for counselors and counseling students that will enable the reader to establish the mindset for brief counseling. It will help them master the key steps in the solution-focused model and acquire the necessary techniques for speeding up the action. The book uses many vignettes and three in-depth single-session cases demonstrating the use of brief counseling in different settings such as schools, counseling centers and in private ... "
Tags: brief counseling, child and adolescent counseling, career counseling
Abstract Theocentric counseling is a Christian method of psychotherapy that concentrates on situating the useful parts of modern therapeutic techniques in a Christian dialogue and culture. This paper gives an explanation of theocentric counseling methods, and explains how theocentric counseling can be used in career guidance and life skills development therapy.
