Family Relationship, College Administration

The Role of the Family

People of African descent place great importance on nuclear family and extended kinship systems. This pattern of family relationship was true in Africa before they were brought to North America and was reinforced by the extreme conditions families faced as slaves. Every family member, no matter how remotely related biologically, is highly valued.

Multicultural and Diversity Issues An Initial Interview with an American Indian Client Willard is a 26 year old, single Navajo male who grew up on the Navajo reservation in rural New Mexico. He served four years in the Navy immediately after high school and is now a junior in college majoring in mathematics and education. College administration required Willard to seek counseling after he was arrested for assault during a ?ght in the dorm, and his status in school was contingent on completion of ?ve sessions. The incident report noted that he and two other students became involved in an altercation after one of the other students made inappropriate gestures toward Willard’s girlfriend.

During his ?rst session, it was noted that he was a large, well muscled young man with long hair freely falling around his shoulders. He did not smile upon introduction. However, he did make direct eye contact. He indicated that he was aware of the conditions placed on his continued enrollment, but he was not enthusiastic about participating in counseling.

Working in small groups or dyads, consider how you might proceed with the initial interview with Willard. Begin by creating a list of items that need to be considered given the circumstances of his referral. Which of the items on your list have cultural implications? Next, consider the issues that are relevant to establishing a therapeutic relationship with Willard. How would you begin the interview? Finally, what information would you want to know about Willard that would in?uence your work with him in the future? Do stereotypes or assumptions that you might have about Native Americans in?uence anything on your list? Discuss these with your group.