Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Study

The African American population has endured slavery, racism, and oppression from the moment they arrived in this country. All African Americans have experienced one or all of these problems at some point in their lives, or have heard about someone who has. Because of these very sensitive issues there is a great deal of mistrust in the African American culture, therefor it is important that they be considered when working with this particular group. There is much information about how to do the intervention of cognitive behavioral therapy with African Americans in a clinical setting. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an intervention that can be used in many different treatments and focuses on exploring relationships among the client’s thoughts,

One of the first things mentioned is how close knit African American families are and how authority roles, and responsibilities are assigned to its members and they all follow strict family rules Lum’s work (as cited in Shulman, 2015). African Americans have a strong connection with their church and try to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects this spiritual connection in a positive way. In assessment the social worker has to look at the importance of the church to the client. Also it is equally important to remember that the African American family is very close, and sometimes extend beyond blood lines too and is important in assessing the client. It is also very important to know that elders within the family are held in high regard and can be very helpful in treatment. One of the biggest cultural differences that relate to African Americans seeking help in the clinical setting is that African Americans have a great deal of mistrust when it comes to seeking help from the white dominant culture. Another reason African Americans avoid getting help is that they may be seen as being weak for doing so, and should be assessed by the worker. The social worker must address this issue in a skillful way and try to gain the clients trust, and commend them for seeking

Neville discusses how the treatment in a clinical setting is viewed negatively by the African American community. This negatively affects the health of African American clients who are being treated, or might have been treated. One thing the authors mention is that African Americans have an understandable mistrust based on the extended history of living in an oppressive culture, thus the fear of being treated unfairly or less then enters their minds, which is something the worker should pay attention to. Also, African Americans like being in control, this is important for the worker to know so that they take it slow and build a rapport slowly, at a pace that the client is comfortable with. Since African Americans are deeply spiritual and religious many issues are relayed through clergymen or other parishioners who may be part of the extended family. A bible study or prayer meeting may be part of the clients healing process and should be understood and respected by those working with them. Because of this it is mentioned that the individual should be asked who they would like to include in their decision making process especially with the closeness of family within the African American culture. Some specific information regarding African Americans should be assessed before treatment