CHAPTER 3 THE POLITICS OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

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

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 age group and workers 55 and older rose 15%

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

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

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

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

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

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