Abstract
The African American women who provide informal (unpaid) caregiving for African American elders are a valuable resource for their care recipients, families, and communities. However, the demands of caregiving and sacrifices made to provide this service may compromise their mental health. Therefore, it is incumbent on counselors and psychotherapists to become more aware of the clinical needs of this population and culturally competent methods for addressing them. The author discusses ethnocultural, historical, and contemporary contexts that have influenced the practice of caregiving in African American communities. In addition, an overview of research is provided that sheds light on the psychological impacts of caregiving. Narratives from women caregivers in therapy about their experiences, including sources of satisfaction and distress, are discussed. Furthermore, personal traits and strategies that promote healthy psychological functioning in the role of caregiver are discussed. Most importantly, considerations for assessment and models for intervention are presented.
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