George K. Hong - Böcker

The Asian American population is increasing rapidly and, not unpredictably, so are its mental health needs. A number of cultural factors and stressors common to Asian Americans pose obstacles to the successful employment of Western psychotherapy approaches and counseling---for example, the central role of the family in Asian life and the culturally based, traditional stigma associated with mental health problems. The authors, all practicing psychotherapists, focus on the critical aspects of transference and empathy in their consideration of the mental health approaches and therapies appropriate to ethnic minority population.The work has value as a resource for professionals and as a training guide for those intending to practice as psychotherapists and counselors in minority communities. It offers extraordinary insights and practical guidance through the use of case studies. Not only do these identify problems stemming from the racial differences between client and therapist, but they also provide rich clinical examples of case diagnosis, treatment plans, and client status statements. This is an important book that will further both the theory and practice of psychotherapy among minority populations.

"These chapters are excellent! I think the primary strength of the book is the emphasis on relationships throughout, demonstrating how the clinician can learn to be more relational in providing direct and appropriate services. The book will be a valuable resource not just for clinicians working with Asian-American clients but in all their clinical experiences. The authors point us toward a new future in therapy that combines theories by making culture central rather than marginal or exotic to the therapy process."

--Paul Pedersen, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

This book is a practical and comprehensive guide for clinicians, trainees, and students interested in developing their skills in providing psychotherapy and counseling to Asian American clients. The authors offer a cultural and social environmental framework, which helps mental health professionals conceptualize issues facing Asian American clients as well as strategies for addressing clinical concerns. This book discusses many frequently asked questions regarding clinical work with Asian Americans: cultural similarities and differences among various Asian American groups; clinical implications of immigration and refugee experiences; strategies for diagnostic assessments; ways to engage Asian American clients in treatment; application of individual, family, and group psychotherapy and counseling; culturally syntonic service delivery models; and training and curriculum issues. Practical suggestions and case examples are offered throughout the book.