ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the social and cultural, communicational, and familial characteristics of Asian Americans so that counsellors working with children, adolescents, adults, and elders in the Asian American culture will have a valid and objective basis for counselling decisions and strategies. Planning counselling intervention for Asian American clients requires an understanding of their cultural characteristics, communication style and languages, families, and individual challenges. In many cases, additional course work is recommended to remedy the language and communication deficiencies of Asian American students. The European American emphasis on individualism presents challenges for Asian American adolescents seeking to satisfy the demands of contemporary society and still remain loyal to family traditions. It is true that some Asian Americans work in high-paying occupations, in part, because of high educational attainments. Communication problems, dismal employment opportunities for unskilled minorities, the model minority stereotype, and conflicting familial roles and expectations all create unique challenges for Asian American adults.
