The author explores the significance of skin color in the psychology of African Americans, its contribution to the psychosocial dysfunctioning in some individuals, and techniques for dealing with issues of skin color in psychotherapy. A brief historical overview asserts that the dynamics of European oppression of Africans and their descendants has provided the foundation for skin-color concerns. Two case illustrations of psychotherapy with individuals for whom skin color is a significant psychodynamic issue are presented, and recommendations for therapeutic interventions with clients for whom skin color is a salient issue are provided.
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