Asian American Clients, an Asian American Client

It is important to be respectful to all clients, but Asian American clients may respond especially well to being treated with formal respect. Using Mr., Mrs., and Ms.

and a last name is a signal of respect and should not be discontinued until the client directly invites a ?rst name address. However, be aware that traditionally, in most Asian countries, women keep their own family surnames and may wish to be called by that surname even if, because of customs in the United States, she has begun to use her husband’s surname. A simple inquiry along these lines indicates respect.

Spiritual and Religious Matters

A common practice among many Asian cultures has been the keeping of an ancestor altar. A reverence toward ancestors and various beliefs regarding ancestral spirits, wishes, or presence in family matters can be central to individual and family function386 Interviewing Special Populations

Working with an Asian American Client

In a recent issue of Psychotherapy, John Chambers Christopher, a colleague of ours, reports on the following case: Simon, an East Asian international student, referred himself to the university counseling center after about one year of studying in the United States. Simon reported low self esteem, dif?culty concentrating, and problems with socializing. His stated goal for therapy was to become “more assertive in his interactions with others” . In particular, Simon expressed a desire to become more similar to his American roommates and less like other international students from his homeland.

Presented by a different therapist and/or a different client, this case might simply be cast into the rather straightforward mold of assertiveness training.