Description: 

I am developing a new resource of a therapy card deck designed to empower clients through facilitating discussions, exploring emotions, helping develop coping strategies, and giving clients a chance to self-reflect. It aims to support a multicultural counseling approach by providing a structured yet flexible way to initiate conversations about sensitive topics like family expectations and internalized stereotypes. Drawing directly from the Journal of Counseling Psychology article “Parental Pressure and Support toward Asian Americans' Self-efficacy, Outcome Expectations, and Interests in Stereotypical Occupation: Living Up to Parental Expectations and Internalized Stereotyping as Mediators," this deck helps clients navigate the complexities of parental pressure, particularly within the context of career aspirations. 

For counselors: 

Counselors can use this card deck in several ways.  One way is facilitating difficult conversations by providing a non-threatening way to initiate conversations about sensitive topics like parental pressure and career pressures, and the structured format can create a sense of safety and predictability, encouraging clients to open up and explore their thoughts without feeling directly confronted.  Another way is enhancing self-reflection by promoting deeper exploration and encouraging clients to dive deeper into their internal experiences. It can give clients a better understanding of how external pressures and internalized stereotypes may be influencing their choices. Counselors can also select cards that are most suitable for the client's specific needs, allowing for a more personalized therapeutic experience.  The inclusion of drawing and writing provides alternative routes for clients to express themselves, particularly for those who struggle with verbal communication, and can give counselors valuable insights into the client's inner world. The card deck promotes a more collaborative approach for the counselor and client, allowing them to work together. As for the emotional aspect of career pressures, this deck can help reduce career anxiety and help clients expand their career options that align with their authentic selves more rather than just the options presented to them. By reflecting more on personal values versus the imposed expectations, the questions within the deck can help decenter the parental authority and help develop a stronger sense of self-agency.  This card deck could be modified to be used in a one-on-one session or in group settings as well. 

References: 

Shen, F. C., Liao, K. Y.-H., Abraham, W. T., & Weng, C.-Y. (2014). Parental pressure and support toward Asian Americans’ self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and interests in stereotypical occupations: Living up to parental expectations and internalized stereotyping as mediators. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 61(2), 241–252. https://doi-org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/10.1037/a0036219