Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:30 AM
Counseling Arab-Americans
Saturday, November 21, 2009
9:00AM – 1PM
Bowie State University
4 CEUs available
Arab Americans are one of the most underrepresented and misunderstood minority populations in the United States. Recent evidence shows that many of them face unique stressors that impact their physical and mental health. These stressors include acculturation, discrimination experiences, detainment/deportation, religious and cultural conflict, language barriers, and identity development. Arab Americans have experienced anti-Arab discrimination and stereotyping for many years. This is partly related to media resources’ portray of the Arab culture and the ongoing focus on the negative events surrounding Middle Eastern conflicts.
In an effort to advocate for social justice and raise awareness of this underrepresented group, this conference will highlight the above stressors in greater depth and provide critical counseling implications. Attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of the culture and learn culturally appropriate interventions to help mental health professionals reach out to the Arab American community and work more effectively with this population.
To challenge stereotypes, initiate self awareness, and increase understanding the conference will open with a brief interactive exercise, followed by four distinct presentations, and close with a group exercise where attendees can apply learned material. This conference welcomes students, mental health professionals, educators, and all others who are interested in learning more about the Arab American culture, stressors and challenges, and ways to best address potential mental health needs
Presenters include:
- Mireille Aprahamian, Ed.D., Faculty Associate, Department of Counseling and Human Services, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia, MD
- Ben Beitin, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., Assistant Professor, Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy, Seton Hall University, NJ
- Gregory Orfalea, MFA, Visiting professor, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Salma Abugideiri, M.Ed., LPC, Co-Director, Peaceful Families Project, Great Falls, VA
Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 Registration and Coffee
9:00 - 9:30 Interactive Exercise
9:30 – 9:45 Introductions
9:45 – 10:15 The Arab Culture
10:15 – 10:45 Discrimination Experiences
10:45 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:30 Personal Case of Schizophrenia
11:30 – 12:00 Addressing Mental Health Needs
12:00 – 12:30 Group exercise
12:30 – 1:00 Final questions and discussion
Click here to register now.
Click here for a mail-in registration form.
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