Book Being Reviewed:
Santiago-Rivera, A., Arrendondo, P. and Gallardo-Cooper, M. (2002). Counseling Latinos and la familia: A practical guide. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Reviewer:
Karla Carmichael

Curricular Areas:
Diversity/Multiculturalism/Social Justice

Subject Headings:
Multicultural/cross-cultural issues

Review:
As Latinos become one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, the shift in demographics impacts the counselor’s need to understand this population.

Part I of the text provides the reader with the critical information that forms the foundation of the Hispanic and Latino culture. The authors begin with explaining the development of the Multicultural Counseling Competencies and how this framework determines the scope and sequence of knowledge basic to understanding the cultural implications for counselors. Of special note is the discussion of the general Dimensions of Personality Identity with specific emphasis on how this is applied to the Latino cultural identity. Essential to the understanding of any cultural framework is its historical, sociopolitical, and geographical influences. Highlighted are those common framework elements that are shared by most Latino cultures, as well as, those elements of diversity determined by their unique cultural experiences. A discussion of the cultural impact of identity, adaptation and change, family values, religion, health, language and gender roles are presented. Intact, bicultural/biracial, single parent, and immigrant families are given an adequate review of culturally unique issues.

In Part II, the book provides an overview of issues and interventions commonly experienced in counseling sessions. Language switching, narratives and metaphors are encouraged to enhance a positive counselor-client relationship. Specific models of family therapy, clinical practice, and assessment are discussed, followed by a final chapter devoted to training, supervision, and cultural competencies.

The text is unique in that each chapter presents the objectives, general cultural competencies and Latino specific competencies addressed within the chapter. The competencies are followed by a self-awareness pretest. Each competency is discussed. In addition, the text provides case studies to illustrate the interventions and techniques that are recommended as models for the counselor. The chapters conclude with the answers to the self-awareness pretest.

The appendices are an outstanding element to this text. The selected measures of acculturation are provided. The glossary of culture specific terms include people and places, values, historical events, family traditions and musical expressions that the counselor is most likely to encounter in counseling sessions. Finally, a culture-centered clinical interview is provided to help guide the counselor in the type of information that may be most helpful for treatment planning and interventions.

The text provides an excellent synopsis of the Latino culture. The interventions are clearly described for the novice or experienced counselor in practice. The book is well organized. The self-awareness tests are insightful for the beginning counselor. The text would be an excellent supplemental text to focus on counseling Latinos.

Originally posted on 3/29/2010 at csi-net.org