CHAPTER 3 THE POLITICS OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

1. CHAPTER 3THE POLITICS OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

2. Katrina and Counseling? • Katrina is a prime example of the clash of racial realities and the multitude of political issues that are likely to arise in clinical sessions between counselors and culturally diverse clients • Counseling and psychotherapy do not take place in a vacuum isolated from the larger social-political influences of our societal climate      

3. The Diversification of the United States Nowhere is diversification of society more evident than in the workplace where three major trends can be observed: • the graying of the workforce • the feminization of the workforce • the changing complexion of the workforce

4. Graying of the Workforce • As the baby boomers head into old age, the elderly population of those 65 and older will surge to 53.3 million by 2020 • In 2005, 70% of workers were in the 25-54 age group and workers 55 and older rose 15%

5. Implications • Lack of knowledge concerning issues of the elderly and the implications of an aging population on mental health needs • In American society, the elderly suffer from beliefs and attitudes of society (stereotypes) that diminish their social status • The elderly are increasingly at the mercy of governmental policies and company changes in social security and pension funds • Social service agencies are ill prepared to deal with the social and mental health needs of the elderly

6. Feminization of the Workforce and Society • Over a fifteen year period from 1990 to 2005 women accounted for 62% of the net increase in the civilian labor force • However, women continue to occupy the lower rungs of the occupational ladder but are still responsible for most of the domestic responsibilities

7. Implications • Women are subjected to greater number of stressors than their male counterparts due to issues related to family life and role strain • Family relationships and structures have progressively changed as we have moved from a traditional single-earner, two-parent family to two-wage earners • Women continue to be paid less than men, and 25% of children will be on welfare at some point before reaching adulthood

8. The Changing Complexion of the Workforce and Society • From 1990 to 2000, the U.S. population increased 13% to over 281 million (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2001) • Projections indicate that persons of color will constitute a numerical majority sometime between 2030 and 2050 (D. W. Sue et al., 1998) • The rapid demographic shift stems from two major trends: immigration rates and differential birthrates

9. Implications • By the time the so­called baby boomers retire, the majority of people contributing to the social security and pension plans will be racial/ethnic minorities so if people of color continue to be the underemployed and under­paid, the economic security of retiring White workers looks grim • The economic viability of businesses will depend on their ability to manage a diverse workforce effectively

10. Mental Health Implications • Counselors must be prepared to become culturally competent through: (a) revamping our training programs, (b) developing multicultural competencies as core standards for our profession, and (c) providing continuing education for our current service providers