Helping a Japanese Immigrant Family Cope With Acculturation Issues: A Case Study

Abstract

A growing population of Asian immigrants to the United States amplifies the need for helping professionals to gain knowledge regarding the adjustment processes among these groups. Unless counselors who are trained in Western systems models are able to modify their approaches to work with non-Western families, the therapy process may not be enlightening to these families. One Asian ethnic group, the Japanese, has a long history of immigration and a strong multigenerational presence in the United States. To contribute to the literature addressing clinical work with a specific Asian immigrant group, a case study is presented as an example of how culturally sensitive assessment and treatment can be provided to a Japanese immigrant family.