This article examines aspects of physical attractiveness that influence African American families as a process of multigenerational transmission and internalized oppression. Specifically, it addresses how the cultural standards of aesthetic preference associated with facial features, skin color, hair texture and length, and body size are transmitted across generations through the process of internalized oppression. The negative correlates of physical attractiveness continue to serve as a function of internalized oppression in African American families. Based on findings, it can be concluded that with the exception of body size, Anglo facial features, lighter skin color, and fine straight hair continue to be factors in the oppression of African American families across generations. Another finding suggests that given the shame associated with internalized oppression within one’s own family or cultural group, this phenomenon often remains a family secret. These findings have particular relevance for training of culturally competent family counselors.

This article describes methods and techniques of play therapy for use with multicultural and diverse populations. Barriers to counseling multicultural children and Eurocentric play therapy techniques with multicultural populations are highlighted. Specific guidelines and examples for play therapy with multicultural children are provided. Recommendations and implications for mental health professionals are discussed.The alternative perspectives of children from differing racial and ethnic backgrounds present a challenge to counselors than can no longer be ignored. Today, issues of multicultural differences are encountered on a regular basis. The demographics imperative, or the 'colorization', of the United States by the year 2010 mandates that counselors can no longer be what is referred to as "culturally encapsulated" (Wrenn, 1962). In order to deal more effectively with and understand different cultures, mental health professionals must develop their own cultural identities and become aware of their own biases. This self-awareness, in combination with a commitment to play therapy, must be coupled with effective intervention.This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.

The authors, using a cocoon maintenance or metamorphosis metaphor, articulate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and future vision for career counseling. Major strengths in career counseling include the growth and development of career theory, research, and practice. Weaknesses are identified in terms of career counseling practices that maintain localized career standards. Opportunities exist for the profession to assist clients in redefining their careers on the basis of ownership and life stories. The continued devaluation of career counseling in counselor education programs is seen as a threat. The authors conclude with their vision for the future for the discipline and profession of career counseling.

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