Issues in Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations: Social Networks for Counseling Intervention
The following presents a discussion of the use of social networks as a counseling intervention. The underlying premise of social networks and the effectiveness of their use for counseling diverse populations is presented.
Ashinger (1985) made the important point that counselors require all help possible to ensure optimal intervention. Social networks of clients improve outcomes of counseling. The social network of an individual refers to the group of people that are interrelated with the culture of the client. The total network includes resources that help with daily living as well as the working through of problems. Social support assists with relieving stress and resolving problems.
Ashinger (1985) pointed out that more and more counselors are using a situational diagnosis that includes an analysis of the environment and support groups. The underlying premise of this approach is that people interact with their environment and this determines their behavior. Human development is viewed as a product of these interactions and the social networks reflect the behaviors learned and maintained. Social exchanges are resources for each member of the network and these networks are effective resources for many types of counseling situations (family therapy, school counseling, rehabilitation). The network of the individual must also accommodate the changes needed for clients to improve.
Ashinger (1985) stated that the counselor must develop a social network inventory for the client, listing all network members that can be relied on. Findings can be used to develop pa network wheel or graphic representation. Network members can then be utilized as resources and co-therapists. This type of intervention has the potential to assist clients when other techniques have failed.
Taylor, Sherman, Kim, Jarcho, Takagi, and
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