Counseling American Indians

This book provides examples of culturally-relevant clinical adaptations as they apply to the largest Indian groups in the U.S.-the Navajo, Cherokee and Sioux. It also addresses the most severe mental disorders afflicting American Indians today-those of substance abuse and fetal alcoholism. This book provides historical and cultural foundations relevant to the traditional Navajo, Cherokee and Sioux, giving a basis for the culturally-specific clinical adaptations that are presented here. The unique therapy adaptations include cultural bibliotherapy for children and youth; a PanIndian synthesis of substance abuse therapy for Indian youth; survival therapy for Plains Indian adults and the use of the Navajo Beauty Way clinical model.

Laurence Armand French is Professor of Psychology at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico and Clinical Director at the Safford Care Center in Safford, Arizona.