Multicultural Counseling in a Divided and Traumatized Society: The Meaning of Childhood and Adolescence in South Africa

This book is developed from the framework of locating childhood and adolescence within the wider context of South African society. The merging world-view and identity of South African children are described. A portion of the book describes the psychological traumas associated with political unrest and a society undergoing major transition, paying particular attention to three major traumas: child abuse and neglect, children who have been the victims of an unjust and inequitable educational system, and children caught in the war of political violence. The book addresses issues within the South African context by recognizing the effects of the wider social, economic, and political setting. By promoting a better understanding of diverse cultures, a mechanism is in place for bringing about reconciliation in a divided society.

JOYCE HICKSON received her Ph.D. in counseling from Mississippi State University. Dr. Hickson spent six years in the southern Africa region where she was a Professor with the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and worked as a consultant to several African nations. She currently serves as Chair of the Department of Counseling and Clinical Programs at Columbus College in Columbus, Georgia.

SUSAN KRIEGLER is Associate Professsor of Education Psychology and Special Education at the University of Pretoria./e She is a recipient of the Psychological Association of South Africa’s Presidents Award for her contribution to renewal in the profession.