Exposing Dolores, what Dolores

Dolores’s fears of losing her adopted daughter also bring up cultural issues.

In this case, the adoption was an informal tribal arrangement, and she may need to consult with legal professionals and her tribe to determine if the adoption is binding. It is likely that the U.S. government would support the adoption placement under the Indian Child Welfare Act ; therefore, communication with her tribe is probably more important than exposing Dolores to the U.S. legal system. Finally, although to some counselors it may seem that Dolores’s anxiety about losing her child is overblown, historically, American Indians have experienced intergenerational trauma when children are taken from families. Hence, Dolores’s feelings about those historical facts should be evaluated before effort to reduce her anxiety proceeds.

In summary, for American Indian and other multicultural clients, treatment planning should be culture speci?c and culture sensitive. For example, the following treatment planning statements might be formulated:

• Explore Dolores’s feelings about pursuing counseling.

• Explore what Dolores is thinking and feeling when she makes negative

statements about her family members.

• Educate Dolores regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act.

• Encourage Dolores to discuss her custody fears with members of her tribe

and possibly a tribal lawyer.

• Discuss Dolores’s fears of losing her daughter in the context of multigenerational trauma.

INDIVIDUAL AND CULTURAL HIGHLIGHT 10.1SUMMARY This chapter addresses the basics of diagnosing mental disorders. Controversies regarding this process abound, but there are important reasons for all mental health professionals to develop their diagnostic skills. A diagnosis can serve an organizing function and thereby facilitate treatment planning and treatment process. It can be seen as a working hypothesis and can offer clients relief by assuring them that others suffer with similar reactions, struggles, and complaints.