Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Therapy

by Pamela A. Hays

This engaging book helps readers move beyond one-dimensional conceptualizations of identity to an understanding of the complex, overlapping cultural influences that form each of us. Pamela A. Hays' "ADDRESSING" framework enables therapists to better recognize and understand cultural influences as a multidimensional combination of A ge, D evelopmental and acquired D isabilities, R eligion, E thnicity, S ocioeconomic status, S exual orientation, I ndigenous heritage, N ational origin, and G ender. Unlike other books on therapy with diverse clients, which tend to focus on working with one particular ethnic group, Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice presents a framework that can be used with a person of any cultural identity. This second edition has been updated throughout and has new sections on cross-cultural assessment of trauma, on psychotherapy with people living in poverty, and on ethical boundaries and complex relationships in rural and minority communities. A special section describes how to integrate cultural considerations into the evidence-based practice of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This stimulating book will be an important resource for counselors, clinicians, and mental health professionals working with clients from a variety of backgrounds.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Grad School, School

275 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Matt Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook made for therapists; it regards how to operate with clients from a multitude of different cultural backgrounds. The main points regard maintaining self-awareness and being able to self-reflect with regards to cultural issues, and also how to best accommodate people from very different cultures, who may have very different expectations going into a therapy session. ... And other stuff too, I don't know why I'm choosing to write a review of a scholarly book during my break from having written a paper all day. Blah. It's a good book though!

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book. It was like going for a cup of coffee with a really experienced engaging counselor that wants to teach you everything you need to know. Learned the ADDRESSING model from here, which I believe to be an incredbile tool to take with me into my career. Nice supplement to the class I just took.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent considerations for the field. Many case examples focused on the details of how to fold in cultural considerations into therapeutic practice. Hays suggests a particular framework for addressing cultural issues (detailed in the acronym ADDRESSING), which readers may or may not find useful. She covers and critiques DSM-IV diagnostic formulation, which is now out dated.

[Joe Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good overview of cross cultural counseling and competency for clinicians. A good book for beginners and it works for cuing in novice students to the importance of understanding class, power and culture. Well organized and I would recommend. (Disclaimer – I have taught this type of class before and may be a harsh critic as my expectations were very high).

[Charla Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was for my Multicultural Counseling class. Though it was not one of the best text books I have ever had to read, it did provide a lot of good information. I am glad that it was a companion book to the Sue&Sue text, because had it been the only book, it would have not been adequate.

[John]

nonfiction,psychology

[Amy Holbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 Copy

[Bd Jimson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every budding Psychologist could use this book!

[Kimberly Winters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book - especially helpful for identifying and addressing your own cultural biases. Only three stars because it was a bit repetitive.