Discusses the practice of cross-cultural counseling, with an emphasis on cultural transitions and the complex emotional and mental adjustment processes associated with movement from one culture to another. Despite differences in concepts of mental health across cultural groups, consistencies also are common and serve as bridges that facilitate acculturation. Addressed to mental health professionals, trainers, and others who work in the field of cross-cultural counseling, this book provides suggestions for both improving skills and dealing with the particular circumstances of refugees and immigrants. Chapters cover: the basic tenets of cross-cultural communication; a workshop model for exploring one’s own cultural identity; culturally relevant issues and treatment implications for Hispanics; issues in working with Southeast Asian refugees, and with Vietnamese refugees in particular; psychological effects of political repression in Argentina and El Salvador; effective mental health policies and services for traumatized refugee patients; intercultural adjustment of families living abroad; and organizational factors in cross-cultural counseling.
