Counseling Thai Americans: An Emerging Need

Abstract

This article identifies the unique issues of Thai Americans as a cultural minority in the United States. The authors propose ways of understanding and responding to Thai American clients and recommend strategies for working more effectively with these clients.

The Effect of Normative and Behavioral Persuasion on Help Seeking in Thai and American College Students

“…Trained professional Thai psychotherapists did not exist in Thai society until recently, and the majority of Thais are reluctant to use their services (Weisz, McCarty, Eastman, Chaiyasit, & Suanlert, 1997). Nonetheless, House and Pinyuchon (1998) advocated the use of specific culturally oriented techniques for therapists working with Thai clients. Perhaps the most salient of these techniques is allowing the client to bring a family member or a friend to the initial therapy sessions to allay the client's possible fears about working with a therapist and to gain acceptance among the client's family and friends.…”

Cultural Patterns of South Asian and Southeast Asian Americans

“…Age and official position are respected sources of social status. Teachers are respected as experienced and educated persons who are knowledgeable enough to provide answers to both academic queries and personal problems (House & Pinyuchon, 1998).…”

“…The intent of politeness is to communicate the utmost consideration for the comfort of others. Rude and inappropriate behaviors are attributed to poor parental upbringing (House & Pinyuchon, 1998).…”

“…They practice intuitive and nonverbal approaches when dealing with school personnel (Sileo, Sileo, & Prater, 1996). However, they exhibit a very high degree of sensitivity when recognizing the feelings and emotions of others (House & Pinyuchon, 1998)…”

“…For example, they tend to keep quiet about their displeasure in hopes of avoiding unpleasant situations and confrontations (Pratomthong & Baker, 1983). They may even attempt to defuse a tense situation by making jokes or changing the topic (House & Pinyuchon, 1998). Based on their own communication style, they rely on the nonverbal communication of others.…”