The Invisible Client: Ramifications of Neglecting the Impact of Race and Culture in Professional Counseling

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

Overlooking critical aspects of a client such as race, culture, and perception of societal treatment is harmful and emotionally devastating to clients of color (Butler & Shillingford-Butler, 2014). For Black clients specifically, this type of treatment can lead to feelings of invisibility and isolation, resulting in what Ellison (1947/1990) defined as “The Invisible Man.” This article examines this idea of invisibility in the Black client and proposes suggestions and framework for counselors working with this population.

Publication Title

VISTAS

Publisher

American Counseling Association

Share

COinS