Counseling Special Populations Counseling The Older Adult As

Counseling Special Populations Counseling The Older Adult Ø As society ages, more counselors will be needed to work with those 65 years or older. Ø It is estimated that by the year 2020, this population will encompass 50 million of the American population. Ø Older adults will vary according to: age, sex, marital status, geographic distribution, race and ethnicity, retirement, employment and income status as well as physical and mental health. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Problems and Concerns of the Older Adult Ø Loss of work role identity. Ø Increased amount of leisure time. Ø Decreased financial support. Ø Loss of significant other(s). Ø Increased loneliness and separation. Ø Geographic relocation. Ø Peer and family restructuring. Ø Increased physiologic disorders. Ø Increased amount of dependence. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Counseling Principles for the Older Adult Ø Enhancement of dignity and worth. Ø Counselors need to “sell” the positive benefits of counseling. Ø Counselors need to attend to the physical environment. Ø The counselor is often an advocate of the client. Ø Goals should be short-term and clear-cut. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Counseling Principles for the Older Adult (continued) Ø Counselors need to attend to dependence/independence issues. Ø Counselors need to attend to the age differential. Ø Counselors need to attend to the client's place in history. Ø Counselors need to diagnosis carefully with this population. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Goals For Counseling for the Older Adult Ø To decrease anxiety and depression. Ø To reduce confusion and loss of contact with reality. Ø To increase socialization and improve interpersonal relationships. Ø To improve behavior within institutions. Ø To cope with crisis and transitional stress. Ø To become more accepting of self and the aging process. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004” “

Counseling Special Populations Counseling Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients Ø There at least 20 – 25 million gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals in the United States, or 10% - 15% of the adult population. Ø There is no typical gay, lesbian or bisexual person. Individuals come from different races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and cultures. Ø There are seven variables of sexual orientation: sexual attraction, sexual behavior, sexual fantasies, emotional preference, social preference, lifestyle, and self-identification. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Problems Faced by Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients Ø Cultural Homophobia Ø Cultural Heterosexism Ø Internalized Homophobia Ø Homophobia and Heterosexism in Counselors “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Identity Development of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients Ø Identity confusion Ø Identity conflict Ø Identity denial Ø Community identity Ø Coming out or not “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Special Situations in Counseling for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients Ø Violence in Lesbian and Gay Male Couples Ø Gay and Lesbian Families Ø Religious Issues Ø Drug and Alcohol Abuse Ø AIDS “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Special Situations in Counseling for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Clients (continued) Ø Loneliness Ø Guilt Ø Depression Ø Suicide “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Counseling Ethnic Minority Clients Ø Ethnic minority clients are members of cultural groups who have been marginalized by society. Ø There is no typical member of any one group. There is diversity within groups also. Ø Worldview, culture, and acculturation are important considerations. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Models of Racial and Ethnic Identity Development Ø Cross’s Model of Nigresence. Ø Minority Identity Development Model Ø Helm’s White Identity Development Model Ø Common stages within each: pre-exposure, dissonance, immersion, internalization and cultural awareness, and acceptance. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Counselor Training for Counseling Ethnic Minorities Ø Multicultural competencies are now expected. Ø Facilitation of growth and awareness of cultural differences. Ø Facilitation of growth and awareness of counselor bias. Ø Adoption of a culture-centered counseling theory. Ø Supervision and evaluation. Ø Emphasis on the crossed dyads of racial identity development between counselor and client. Ø Ethics “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Multicultural Counseling Practices Ø Assessment Perspectives: Are assessment tools culturally sensitive and appropriate? Ø Culturally-Specific Inventories: It is important to assess clients from their own frame of reference. Ø Clinical Research Issues: Most theories and assessment instruments were developed with white, middle class subjects as models. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Future Directions of Multicultural Counseling Ø Within Group Application: Understanding the differences within ethnic groups (e. g. The Hispanic group is composed of Cubans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans etc. ) Ø Culture-Centered Interventions: Traditional methods of healing within the client’s community needs to be considered. Ø Other Nontraditional Populations: Diversity does not just encompass race and ethnicity but can include the poor, the aged, religion etc. Ø Ethical Issues: Is cultural ineffectiveness unethical? Should it or shouldn’t it be? “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Counseling Clients with Disabilities Ø Themes in counseling could include: Independence vs. dependence; personal loss, coping with crisis, and/or maintaining employment. Ø Three phases of humans services are: prevention, intervention and postvention. Ø Prevention: The focus is on education or awareness of the likelihood of an activity or situation causing physical, or psychological problems. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Counseling Clients with Disabilities (continued) Ø Intervention: Detection of signs of disease or critical situations followed by an intervention or strategy to reduce the level of harm. Ø Postvention: Helping the client cope with new limitations and help restore optimal functioning. Ø The ultimate rehabilitation goal is to improve a client’s quality of life and enhance physical and psychosocial adjustment. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Common Problems for Clients with Disabilities Ø Lack of motivation. Ø Secondary gain. Ø Reluctance to participate in rehabilitation. Ø Depression and anxiety. Ø Poor body image. Ø Problems with self-concept. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Common Problems for Clients with Disabilities (continued) Ø Loss of control. Ø Loss of reward and pleasure. Ø Loss of independence (physical and economic). Ø Difficulty in adjusting to the disability. Ø Inability to access the environment. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Common Problems for Clients with Disabilities (continued) Ø Impaired social or vocational roles. Ø Changing family dynamics or relationships. Ø Disruption of social life. Ø Negative attitudes toward own disability. Ø Social rejection and social isolation. Ø Decreased sexual activity. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Adaptive Tasks to Help Clients Cope With Disabilities Ø Help clients deal with pain and incapacitation. Ø Help clients deal with stress. Ø Help clients manage negative feelings. Ø Help clients regain a positive self-image. Ø Help clients gain a sense of competence. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Special Populations Adaptive Tasks to Help Clients Cope With Disabilities (continued) Ø Help clients change their lifestyle. Ø Help clients gain independence. Ø Help clients mange their relationships. Ø Prepare the client for an uncertain future if additional losses are likely. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”