Bibliotherapy and Group Counseling with African-American College Students: A Case Study Approach

ABSTRACT

Many African Americans students face numerous challenges on today’s college campuses. As such, non-traditional therapeutic interventions and group work have emerged in counseling literature to assist these students. This case study explored the use of bibliotherapy and group counseling as an innovative therapeutic intervention. The purpose of the study was to understand how African-American college students experienced this intervention and how it promoted a transformative experience. Students reported the intervention enhanced their intrapersonal intelligence through shared learning, introspective learning, and perspective-taking in relationships. Implications for group workers and college counselors were offered. Recommendations for future research were also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Bibliotherapy
• group counseling
• African Americans

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Glinda Rawls

Glinda Rawls, PhD, Associate Professor of Counselor Education in the Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Department at Western Michigan University.

Dynetta Clark

Dynetta Clark, MA, Doctoral Student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Western Michigan University.

Shamika Hall

Shamika Hall, PhD, Adjunct Faculty in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Department at Western Michigan University.