Counseling Asian-Americans

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how Judy, a Vietnamese woman, does not want to follow traditional Vietnamese cultural protocol with regard to her family. The paper discusses the cultural influences affecting Judy's inner turmoil as expressed through counseling and examines the cultural factors the counselor needs to understand prior to offering advice and assistance to Judy. The paper relates that, ideally, this will result in a mutual understanding between both parties, and allow Judy to make a decision without compromising her morals or social beliefs.

Outline:
Counseling Need/Concern & History
Cultural Characteristics/Influences of Counseling Process
Culturally Specific Counseling Interventions

From the Paper:

"There are many cultural influences affecting Judy's inner turmoil as expressed through counseling. For example, her mother, husband and family feel it best she care for the home. Judy mentions the Chinese proverb often used by her mother "it is far better to have more children than goods" however this statement results in increased anger and hostility in the patient. As a result of these actions, Judy has withdrawn, her social life has deteriorated and in need of direction as her inner desires and needs do not support those around her."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Nghe, L.T., Mahalik, J.R., Lowe, S.M. (2003), Influences on Vietnamese men: Examining traditional gender roles, the refugee experience, acculturation, and racism in the United States. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 31(4): 245
• Sue, D. & Sue, D. (1993), Ethnic identity: Cultural factors in the psychological development of Asians in America, In, D. W. Atkinson, G. Morten, & D. W. Sue (Eds), Counseling American minorities: A cross-cultural perspective (4th Ed.). Dubuue, IA: Brown.
• Tung, T.M. (1985), Psychiatric care for Southeast Asians: How different is different? In, T. Owan (Ed.), Vietnamese mental health: Treatment, prevention, services, training and research (pp.5-35). Washington DC: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
• Uba, L. (1994), Asian Americans: personality patterns, identity and mental health. New York: The Guilford Press.

More papers on Counseling Asian-Americans:

• Research Paper # 113478 : "Multiculturalism and Diversity in Counseling"
• Analytical Essay # 142269 : "Counseling of Arab-Americans"
• Book Review # 68919 : "Counseling American Minorities"

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