The main idea of Parham’s article (1981) “The Influence of Black Students' Racial Identity Attitudes on Preferences for Counselor's Race is to find out the dependence of race “as a variable in the counseling process.”
There exist different opinions concerning this dilemma. Some of the scientists believe that students of a certain race prefer the counselor of the same race. Phillips (1960) argues that “White counselors could not penetrate racial barriers and thus could not counsel Black students effectively.” Yet, others are sure that race is not the main indicator to choose a counselor. Cimbolic (1972), who studied the influence of counselor race, professional level, and counselor- suggested therapeutic situation, admits that “counselors’ preferences for counselors were not a function of the counselor's race.”
According to Diller, J. (2018), to be accepted by African American patients, ABA professionals should be very much trusted by these people, especially if these counselors are white; the tradition not to trust the whites has a long and persuasive history. Cultural competency is another significant issue which is highly appreciated by African Americans. If the counselor wants to be accepted by these people, he/ she should be very much professional and perform his/her sincere respect to his patients. Because for most of the African American’s medical insurance is a luxury, cost and access are also issuing for this population. Bias, prejudice, and negative stereotypes which for centuries have accompanied African Americans are still the main obstacles for the ABA counselors to provide these people with decent professional treatment.
References
Thomas A. Parham, T. A & Helms, J. E (1981). The influence of Black student’s racial identity attitudes on preferences for counselor's race. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 28, 250-257
Diller, J. V. 2018. Cultural Diversity. The sixth edition. CENGAGE