COUNSELING CONSIDERATIONS

Possible Attitudes and Values of People from India

• Nonconfrontation or silence as a virtue
• Respect for older persons and the elderly
• Moderation in behaviors
• Devaluation of individualism
• Harmony between hierarchical roles
• Filial piety (respect for the parents and ancestors)
• Structured family roles and relationships
• Humility
• Obedience
• High regard for learning
• Modest about sexuality
• Not demonstrative with heterosexual affection
• Less need for dating
• Strong sense of duty to family
• Protect honor and face of family
• Marrying within versus outside ethnic group
• Importance attached to preserving the original religion

Cultural Factors Hindering Outside Support/Counseling in America

• Talking about personal, intimate problems with anyone other than a member of the family is typically prohibited or looked down upon.

• The myth of “model minority” that perpetuates the denial of mental health and emotional problems. (Ex. Alcoholism, domestic violence, etc.)

• Conflict between their values and that of Western values. Western-style counseling focuses on the development of the individual self as the essence of mental health, whereas Indian and Hindu cultures value family before “self-centered” interests.

Issues Relating to Mental Health Needs of Hindu Indians Specifically in America

• Minority status might lead to feelings of social isolation and heightened stress
• Target of negative stereotyping and social rejection
• Tension between mainstream American values and their ethnic cultural values
• Spouses who stay at home and have limited social contact with the outside world are at risk for becoming depressed, or have no avenues to seek help in cases like abuse
• A second-generation boy/girl who is restricted by traditional parents might begin to rebel
• Racial discrimination, especially in the work force

Counseling Considerations and Intervention Strategies

• The use of metaphor and storytelling to communicate underlying problems
• Supportive direct questioning combined with empathetic listening skills
• Involving all family members in the therapeutic dialogue
• Interventions should balance autonomy and interdependence
• Family unit can be a significant source of social support
• If all family members are involved in counseling, addressing the husband first communicates respect for the family unit and can create more rapport
• Direct eye contact with older family members may be perceived as disrespectful
• Tapping into spiritual strengths can help ameliorate problems and sends the message that their culture has relevance in addressing life challenges
• The use of Hindu meditation to improve various problems
• Using rituals such as puja that help re-enact the individual’s relationship with the Absolute and reinforcing the connection with the Divine can ease anxiety along with other mental health conditions
• Encouraging spiritual pursuit can foster motivation and enhanced purpose in life while reducing the scope of current problems
• Counselor awareness of Ayurvedic treatment that is used to overcome problems. Ayurvedic therapy aims at correcting imbalances and restoring equilibrium by replacing negative emotions with positive ones

All information was received from these two resources:

Das, A., & Kemp, S. (1997). Between two worlds: Counseling South Asian Americans. Journal of Multicultural Counseling & Development, 23-33.
Hodge, D. (2004). Working with Hindu clients in a spiritually sensitive manner. Social Work, 27-38.