ABSTRACT
Supporters or helpers are encouraged to explore cultural differences with people who are grieving the death of someone from acquired immune deficiency syndrome who come to them for counseling. People of different cultures and ethnic groups may not value approaches to grief counseling that encourage expressing emotions, verbalizing their thoughts, maintaining eye contact, gaining insight, focusing on long-term goals or distinguishing between physical and mental health. Caucasian experiences are influenced by individual religious and/or spiritual involvement, tradition and beliefs as well as a family's country of origin. The African American experience is described as generally including the belief that one goes to God looking their best. There is a belief that ancestors protect the living. Everyone in the community may be included as "extended family" and is expected to come to the funeral. Helpers who are familiar with, sensitive to and understanding about, diverse cultural and ethnic issues can be found in many cities.
