Cultivating the Identity Development of Multiracial Clients: A Group Psychotherapy Manual for Young Adults

Abstract

Within the United States, the multiracial community is the fastest growing demographic group (Yoo et al., 2016). Multiracial people defy how American society understands race, leading to a variety of concerns, such as racial identity invalidation and other acts of racism and discrimination, which negatively impact the identity development of young multiracial people. Inadequate identity development can lead to a variety of mental health concerns. Therefore, it has become increasingly more pressing for mental health providers to be knowledgeable about the unique mental health needs of the multiracial community as well as how to provide adequate care. The following literature review provides mental health practitioners with education about the identity development of multiracial people as well as practical assessments and group treatment interventions that can be used to better understand and promote the identity development of multiracial adults. Following the literature review, the writer provides a 6 week, integrative group counseling manual that aims to assist young multiracial individuals in developing a strong sense of self and confidence in their multiple identities, through the exploration of values, beliefs, past experiences, and future goals