Intercultural Counseling

<p><em>Intercultural Counseling: Bridging the Us and Them Divide</em> provides a thoroughly fresh approach to addressing cultural differences that includes a complete reconceptualization of multiculturalism. The text grapples with new forces in the areas of decolonial and intercultural study that expose problems with taken-for-granted counseling activities embedded within Eurocentric-based practice.<br /><br />The book conceptualizes mental health and healing in the terms that diverse communities recognize and embrace and highlights the range of healing practices within these communities. Underpinning the text is the message that providing counseling services is an activity that is simultaneously complex ambiguous nuanced and subtle.<br /><br />Utilizing a postmodern lens and emphasizing a social constructionist approach the book works to dismantle existing one-dimensional characterizations of cultural difference as well as personal and professional assumptions related to multicultural practice. It provides readers with a fresh way of thinking that seeks to bridge cultural divides and fully realize the ambitions of the multicultural counseling movement.<br /><br />The book begins with an exploration of the social justice implications underpinning cultural identity politics and the "Us vs Them" divide. In the following chapters readers closely examine the inherent complexity of culture historical events and beliefs that have shaped social and political divides issues of power and privilege gender as a domain of cultural experience identity construction concepts of community and more. The book has a dedicated section to exploring contemporary expressions of gender sexuality and relational identities and practices. The concepts of discourse positioning and deconstruction are emphasized throughout to encourage innovative thought regarding cultural diversity.<br /><br />The book includes personal stories that illustrate many elements covered in the text making the theory and practice of intercultural counseling come alive. Activities are included that encourage readers to apply concepts to their own lives as well to the lives of their clients.<br /><br />Emphasizing thoughtful and intentional participation in a constantly evolving dialogue <em>Intercultural Counseling</em> is an ideal core textbook for upper-level undergraduate courses in the helping professions as well as graduate-level training courses in counseling counselor education marriage and family therapy psychology and social work.</p><p><strong>Gerald Monk</strong> is the director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at San Diego State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Waikato New Zealand.</p><p><strong>John Winslade</strong> is a professor of counseling and guidance at California State University San Bernardino. He earned his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Waikato New Zealand.</p><p><strong>Stacey Sinclair</strong> is the director of the Weber Honors College at San Diego State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.</p><p><strong>marcela polanco</strong> is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and School Psychology at San Diego State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University Florida.</p>