African American Cognitive Therapy

Words: 1140
Pages: 5

The African American population shares common historical threads that present them with challenges not typically experienced by other groups. African Americans share a history of slavery which has left an ongoing legacy of racism and oppression. It is important that these issues along with other culturally sensitive topics be considered when working with this group. There is much information about how to do the intervention of cognitive behavioral therapy with African Americans in a clinical setting. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an intervention that can be used in many different treatments and focuses on exploring relationships among the client’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors which can uncover unhealthy patterns of thought and how they …show more content…
The family has been the bedrock of African American culture from times of slavery through the tumultuous days of mandated racial segregation. One of the most devastating aspects of the slavery experience was its ability to weaken and distort this highly revered institution; fortunately, those attempts were unsuccessful. It was the structure of the African American family, grounded in unavoidable collectivism, that enabled survival from slavery and sustenance throughout the tumultuous days of Jim Crow and widespread white supremacy. Family reunions are important rituals that have long contributed to the survival, health, and endurance of African American families, helping to maintain cultural heritage even in uncertain and turbulent times. Although there is variation in how African Americans hold family reunions these days, some key elements remain constant. One constant is that these events generate such power, in large part, from the participation of the elders—the keepers of the African American legacy. African Americans have a very important relationship with their families, community, and extended families. In assessment given the complexity of African American culture and history, an African American community-defined practice should encourage and reflect …show more content…
Practitioners should keep in mind that African Americans in the United States have historically received less respect from this society than perhaps any other ethnic group. Hence, a style that indicates respect for them by the therapist will be positively received. Shulman (2015), also mentions how the importance of showing respect to the client can build a rapport that can establish a sincere working relationship. It is important to remember that we are now living in a more diverse and complex world which will require a worker to adapt not only quickly but skillfully to any interaction they may have within the professional setting. Workers who are culturally competent and can adapt interventions to meet the needs of clients will have a greater chance to achieve success than those who