In this qualitative study, the authors explored definitions of multicultural competence given by 99 frontline human service providers. The providers had no formal training in counseling but served in a helping role. Seven thematic definitions emerged: color blindness, client focused, acknowledgment of cultural differences, textbook consistent,…

Examines "historical hostility" (a pattern of responses that many African Americans exhibit) and how it may stem from prolonged subjection to inferior treatment in American society. Explores the impact of historical hostility on the counseling relationship, offers suggestions for diagnosing it, and presents some intervention strategies.…

Contends that current counseling paradigms do not include necessary skills for effective results with Native American clients and suggests development of new paradigm for Native Americans. Presents overview of situation and discusses historical influences and current status of family, education, testing, career development, and suicide among…

Relationships between acculturation and attitudes toward psychological help seeking were studied with 170 Asian international students. Results showed a significant relationship between levels of acculturation and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Significant correlations were found between students' levels of acculturation…

Presents interview conducted with Dr. Clemmont Vontress, a pioneering scholar in the field of multicultural counseling. In this interview, Vontress reflects on his long and distinguished career and the evolution of multicultural counseling as professional discipline. Vontress discusses how his theoretical position and ideas evolved over the years…

Illustrating three instances he encountered here in the United States, the Chinese counselor argues that American counseling is deeply rooted in rugged individualism, and often at the expense of the family and community. The suitability of American counseling for other cultures is thus questioned. (Author/NB)

Focuses on mental health needs of Black families. Describes importance of systemic theoretical orientation and delineates five critical issues counselors must consider: historic perspective, social support systems, values, communication barriers, and strategies for effective therapy. (ABL)

Attempts to facilitate understanding of unique mental health problems faced by Mexican-American women, through a discussion of their demongraphy, cultural characteristics, sources of psychological stress, underuse of services, and factors reducing self-referral. In the final section recommendations are provided for counseling Mexican-American…

Examines the intersection of race, class, and gender and the dimensions of oppression and discrimination in counseling. Historical and contemporary dimensions of racism, misogyny, and classism are presented. (Contains 96 references.) (GCP)

Presents an overview of the sociocultural differences between U.S. and Asian Indian cultures, the implications of those differences, and suggestions for counseling techniques and approaches for working with Asian Indian immigrants. Discusses immigration pattern and history of Asian Indians, looks at cultural orientation of Asian Indians, and…

Explores how an individual's privileged social or cultural group statuses (e.g., being White, male, or heterosexual) may work in combination with an individual's oppressed group statuses (e.g., being African American, a woman, or lesbian/gay/bisexual) in shaping the individual's multicultural experiences. (Contains 20 references.) (GCP)

Racial identity has been theorized to significantly influence cross-racial counseling relationships. In this study, the authors examined the influence of White racial identity on working alliance perceptions in a cross-racial vicarious counseling analogue. A significant interaction effect was found between race of the counselor vignette and White…

Explores multiple and dynamic intersections of gender with race, culture, and class in psychosocial identity formation to minimize the risk of homogenizing or polarizing understanding of these characteristics. Seeks to promote dialogue among helping professionals concerning the pivotal role of these simultaneous intersections in affecting clients'…

Defines existentialism, culture, and cross-cultural counseling and explains how various existential concepts can serve as guidelines for cross-cultural counseling. Advocates finding approach to help counselors and counselor trainees understand how their own cultural identities affect their ability to help culturally different clients. (NB)

Describes aspects of Afrocentricity, outlining African-American values, beliefs, and cultural characteristics. Contrasts Afrocentric and Eurocentric worldviews, attempts to increase awareness of cultural bias in counseling and testing, and establishes parameters to enable white counselors to work more effectively with black clients. Reviews career…