Initial instructions:
This week, the chapters focus on working with African Americans (Ch. 14) and American Indians/Native Americans and Alaska Natives (Ch. 15). Read both of the chapters, paying close attention to some of the statistics and/or unique characteristics for the groups. Respond to the following. All sections within each question are worth 5 points.
Question #1 (10 pts.)
The notion of the “family” structure is one critical area to become aware of when working with African American clients. As Sue et al. (2019, pg.304) note, “…45% of African American households are headed by married couples……African Americans have the highest birth rate among nonmarried women, at 69.8%. African American children are more likely to live in a household with a grandparent present (5.6%) compared to White American children (2.6%).” They continue to discuss the varied nature of the “family” and note the strong extended family network that commonly occurs with African American families. For this reason, it is important to find out who is living in the home and who belongs to the extended family network. Spirituality and religious affiliations should also be considered when looking at the family structure and life.
What do you think about the case study regarding Johnny (pg. 305), addressing the following points? Make sure to include facts/statistics and/or common characteristics for African American families within your responses.
Discuss/explain the following:
A. Strengths and challenges of his family unit
B. Therapy approach (what they did and why it was successful?)
Question #2 (10 pts)
Counselors must always consider possible influences of poverty, illiteracy, and racism in working with African American clients. Additionally, counselors must be aware of particular characteristics specific for gender differences. African American females also deal with a male-dominated society, sexism, and racism. Yet as a group, adolescent African American females display higher self-confidence, lower levels of substance abuse, and more positive body images than White American females (Sue & Sue, 2016). A current issue is the “Black Lives Matter” movement, which is gaining more strength both locally and nationally, addressing the concerns of racism against African Americans (primarily focused on males). Sue et al. (2019, pg. 309) quote Black Lives Matter (2015) by stating about the treatment of African Americans, “……intentionally left powerless at the hands of the state…and are deprived of basic human rights and dignity?
Knowing the concerns about racism and statistics about African American males/females, read the case study about Michael found in the text (pg. 307) and address the following:
A. What concerns (i.e. trends, statistics, relevant characteristics) about working with African American males would you have if working with Michael?
B. How would you approach working with Michael? (addressing strategies—using textbook to support your intervention)
Question 3 (10 pts.)
As the chapter presented many statistics, many important characteristics must be addressed when working with American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Counselors must be aware of the implications of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 in relation to protective services, runaways, and adoption procedures. We must also be aware that there are many differences between Native American tribes and cultures. Family structure also differs depending on the tribes. Native Americans tend to see themselves as an extension of their individual tribes (Sue et al., 2019). Other critical factors to consider would be those regarding values of sharing, cooperation, noninterference, present time orientation, spirituality, and nonverbal communication. Specific challenges surface in areas such as education, accultural conflicts, domestic violence, substance abuse, and high rates of suicide.
Using the case study of Mary from the text (pg. 322), use the text to support your responses to the following:
A. What factors specific to Native Americans are inherent within the example and explain how they may have led Mary to the point she is in today?
B. If you had Mary as a client, how would you approach the intervention? Use supporting evidence regarding implications for clinical practice to support your response. Try to be as holistic as you can in your approach to Mary.
