This is the first book to explore the experiences of people of color in counseling from the perspective of individuals who are practicing counselors and were previously clients in counseling themselves. Marbley conducted a research study in which she interviewed eight individuals representing each of the major groups of color in the United States - African American, Asian and Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian – to obtain the stories of their experiences in their own words. These stories provide insight into the problems in and failures of counseling services provided to people of color.
Key Features
- Extensive quotes from interviews highlight the shortcomings in counseling services.
- Chapters dedicated to each group of color, plus one addressing gender-related counseling issues.
- Overview of literature on historical experiences of these groups in mental health.
- Discussion of counselors’ experiences with implications and recommendations for practice.
- Follow-up interviews conducted 12 years later to compare participants’ responses.
- Calls for a social justice movement within the mental health field.
Additional Information
She quotes extensively from these interviews throughout the book, using the voices of the participants to highlight these shortcomings and personalize her discussion of the issues they have faced. These chapters provide an overview of the literature on the historical experiences of these groups in mental health and a discussion of the counselors’ experiences, and conclude with implications and recommendations for counseling and psychotherapy with these groups. Marbley concludes with a look at the need for a social justice movement within the mental health field in order to improve the experiences of and outcomes for people of color.
