Working with multiracial clients in therapy: Bridging theory, research, and practice.

Abstract

The growing multiracial population has resulted in a need for professional psychologists to become knowledgeable about unique identity issues that may influence therapy with multiracial clients. The overarching goal of this article is to provide clinicians with current theory and research, as well as particular therapeutic strategies that will be useful in their work with multiracial clients. Specifically, this article (a) provides a brief review of some prevalent models of multiracial identity; (b) discusses several common themes derived from theory and research about multiracial identity, which should be taken into account when working with this population; and (c) offers some specific techniques and strategies that may be used in therapy to develop more accurate conceptualizations of multiracial clients.

Association of Contextual Factors with Drug Use and Binge Drinking among White, Native American, and Mixed-Race Adolescents in the General Population

“…Intervention models for Mixed-Race youths increasingly focus on individual and family characteristics to help Mixed-Race adolescents avoid substance use (Lou, Lalonde, & Wilson 2011; McDowell, Ingoglia, Serizawa, Holland, Dashiell, & Stevens 2005; McFadden 2001). Strengths-focused themes and principles used in working with Mixed-Race families have been discussed in the literature (see Pedrotti, Edwards, Lopez 2008). Nevertheless, more research with this population is required to examine the effectiveness of these models.…”

“…The literature has long suggested that children who are born into interracial marriages that involve members of racial/ethnic groups against whom discrimination is particularly strong, such as those involving White and Black couples, may experience particularly high levels of social pressure (Ellingsen 2000; McDowell et al 2005). Family conflict severe enough to incite domestic violence can occur among interracial couples who hold extremely conflicting values and beliefs pertaining to child-rearing strategies, gender role expectations, and relationship power (McFadden 2001; Pedrotti, Edwards, & Lopez 2008). Moreover, forming attachments to school can be challenging for Mixed-Race adolescents if the school includes mainly monoracial students and lacks a welcoming environment that encourages Mixed-Race adolescents to recognize and appreciate their multiracial/multicultural heritages (Cheng & Klugman 2010).…”

Biracial Identity and Its Relation to Self-Esteem and Depression in Mixed Black/White Biracial Individuals

“…There exist a growing number of excellent sources for clinicians in their work with multiracial individuals. These include rich and descriptive qualitative work (Gillem, Cohn, & Throne, 2001;Jackson, 2009), conceptual descriptions of potential clinical themes (Taylor & Nanney, 2010) and specific clinical techniques (see Pedrotti, Edwards, & Lopez, 2008;Miville, Constantine, Baysden, & So-Loyd, 2005).…”

A content and methodological review of articles concerning multiracial issues in six major counseling journals.

“…The growth in visibility of this population suggests that counselors will see increasing numbers of multiracial clients (Constantine & Gainor, 2004). Although dealing with society's reactions to being racially mixed may not be the main reason that a client seeks counseling, it is still important for clinicians to be knowledgeable of the salient issues that might affect these clients' daily lives as a result of their dual heritage (Edwards & Pedrotti, 2004b;Nishimura, 2004;Pedrotti, Edwards, & Lopez, 2008). Counseling psychologists will need to be informed about current advances in theory, research, and practice relating to multiracial populations in order to provide care that acknowledges the unique experiences of these individuals (Gillem & Thompson, 2004;Hall, 2004;Root, 2004).…”