An EAP Treatment Paradigm for African American Women

Abstract

This article highlights key clinical and cultural considerations for working with African American women. Two cases are presented as examples for incorporating a holistic approach within the context of brief EAP therapy. In the first case, a successful intervention was achieved by clarifying goals in conjunction with the client's value system, oppressive work environment influences, and sense of purpose. Success was achieved in the second case based on personal validation, use of available resources for empowerment, and strategic problem solving. These examples illustrate how EAP services can be culturally effective for this segment of the work population.

Key Words:

• African American women
• culturally sensitive counseling
• Afrocentric therapy
• self-esteem
• empowerment
• discrimination
• oppression