A View From Counseling of Adult Afro‐American Males

Psychotherapy With African American Men: What We Know and What We Need to Know

“…First, several of the articles reviewed presented arguments emphasizing the importance of therapists having a n understanding of Afi-ican American history and culture when working with African American male clients (Bell, 1996;Franklin, 1992;Hilliard, 1985;Jones & Gray, 1983: June, 1986Larrabee, 1986;Lee, 1990;Pope, 1986;Thomas, 1985;Warfield & Marion, 1985;Washington, 1987). This importance seems to stem from three factors:…”

“…Maultsby viewed this approach as helpful to clients regardless of variables such as race, culture, and value systems. Finally, Thomas (1985) recommended a behavioral approach to working with African American men, emphasizing concrete human situations in which common sense and practical risk-taking are key elements.…”

“…Second, the literature recommended that therapists gain an understanding of how the dynamics involved in the social and political systems of the United States affect African American men (Bell, 1996;Franklin, 1992;Hilliard, 1985;Jones & Gray, 1983;Kirk, 1986;Lee, 1990;Thomas, 1985;Warfield & Marion, 1985;Washington, 1987). According to Kirk, if therapists aid their African American male clients in becoming more aware of social and political restraints that impede their progress into mainstream American society, they can develop more realistic expectations regarding their opportunitiesor inability-to assimilate into White American society.…”

“…Furthermore, African American men make up 47% of the U.S. prison population (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1995). The difficulties encountered by African American men have led some to refer to them as a n "endangered species" (Parham & McDavis, 1987;Thomas, 1985;Warfield & Marion, 1985). Although the label of "endangered species" seems to be a n extreme way of calling attention to the many difficulties experienced by African American men, U S .…”