Working with Asian American Clients: One Person at a Time

Abstract

The authors contend that not all clients from the same ethnic group experience life in similar ways. A treatment model is presented that incorporates both macro and micro views of ethnic differences and similarities. Therapists need to maintain both an ecosystemic view of how the ethnic and cultural experiences of the client affect treatment while not losing sight of the micro view of how these cultural traits are experienced at the individual level. Based on a solution-focused treatment model, the authors present an approach to working with clients from different ethnic or cultural groups. Case vignettes are used throughout to illustrate helpful techniques in working with Asian American clients.