Culture and Identity : Life Stories for Counselors and Therapists

Culture and Identity: Life Stories for Counselors and Therapists, Second Edition combines rich and powerful real life autobiographies with sound theoretical formulations that explore race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, as well as, in this edition, sexual orientation and disability. Ideal for multicultural counseling courses with a diversity element, this text's engaging stories allow readers to understand the significance and influence of culture on identity development, sense of self, family relationships, interpersonal relationships, and life choices. As the storytellers reveal their real life struggles, readers will develop a greater understanding of intra-group differences, increase their repertoire of clinical skills, and sharpen their multicultural competency.New and Proven Features Full of interesting, easy to read true-life stories, centered on various cultural dimensions, that prepare students for real clinical situations Includes theoretical content descriptions, closely connected to the stories they follow, with a comprehensive and varied array of themes that current and future clinicians are likely to encounter in their own clients' histories Provides a clinical applications section in each chapter, with clear, varied, and specific assessment questions and interventions that readers can apply to clients Offers a valuable, rarely seen countertransference section that describes possible personal reactions clinicians may experience when working with clients, thus enhancing clinical effectiveness Contains a useful toolbox of activities for each chapter, with discussion questions, research projects, and book and video resourcesIntended Audience Culture and Identity is a unique, easy-to-read book that demonstrates how cultural factors influence identity and life choices. It is an excellent textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate Multicultural Counseling courses focusing on diversity in the fields of psychology, counseling, family therapy, social work, and human services. In addition, it is ideal for many practicum and internship courses. A valuable resource for clinicians looking to further their understanding of cultural factors in clinical work, it also is a useful tool for any professional in the mental health field who works with a diverse client population.