Applying Culturally Affirming Interpersonal Skills
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 180
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$95.00 USD
What does it really mean to help someone? Not just to give advice, but to truly listen, connect, and support in a way that honors who they are.
This engaging, accessible text helps students develop the mindset and core skills of culturally affirming helping through real-world examples, video demonstrations, and reflective exercises that turn abstract ideas into practical, actionable learning. Each chapter brings concepts to life as students practice empathic listening, intentional questioning, meaningful self-disclosure, and the art of saying goodbye—all within a framework grounded in cultural humility and affirming practice.
Written in a conversational tone with academic grounding, the book promotes interactive learning through chapter-by-chapter skill breakdowns and self-reflection prompts. It challenges the assumption that helping comes naturally and instead equips students to do it with awareness, compassion, and confidence.
Rooted in the liberatory traditions of culturally affirming helping, this text traces how inclusive, identity-centered approaches emerged from movements that resisted systemic oppression—and how those principles inform today’s best helping practices.
Perfect for introductory helping-skills, counseling, psychology, or social work courses, this resource builds the foundation for inclusive, relationship-centered practice that students can apply immediately—in class, in training, and in life.
Helping is a skill. Affirming is a choice. This book teaches both—with heart, clarity, and purpose.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Establishing Meaningful and Healthy Connections
Chapter 3: Building Connections and Trust
Chapter 4: Facilitating Growth and Change
Chapter 5: Facilitating Closures through the Termination Process
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Dr. Sam Steen holds a bachelors in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and a Ph.D. in Education with a specialty in preparing school counselors and mental health professionals. He holds the rank of Professor and is a licensed Professional School Counselor, the Director of the Research Action Consortium, and the former Director of the Child, Family, Community Engagement Division at George Mason University. Dr. Steen specializes in school counseling, group counseling and cultivating Black students’ academic identity development. He was a school counselor for 10 years and this experience shapes his research agenda, approach to teaching, and service. Dr. Steen is a Fellow for the Association for Specialists in Group Work and is the recipient of the Al Dye Research Award and the Professional Advancement Award both from ASGW. He received the Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ) Advocacy of the Year Award and has written over 100 publications.
Dr. Theresa Coogan, a licensed Professional School Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Educator, Coach and Speaker who specializes in group work and professional training and identity development. With over 20 years of experience in personal development, wellness, and mental health, she empowers and guides others to shift the perspective and face uncertainty with courage and confidence. Additional experience as an Education Consultant serving secondary, higher education, and state education authorities for more than a decade informs her understanding of the collective education pipeline and the systems within it. Dr. Coogan has published and presented research and conceptual work on several topics, including group work, gatekeeping for counselor training, and professional best practices.