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Pre-encounter
In the pre-encounter stage the African American is acculturated and has internalized many of the values and beliefs of the dominant Eurocentric culture. These internalized values and beliefs include the notion that African Americans are inferior to European Americans, that racism does not exist, and that negative stereotypes of African Americans are true. The African American may actively or passively avoid other African Americans and seek out European Americans.
Encounter
African Americans enter the encounter stage following an event or series of events that makes the individual acknowledge the existence of racism. The individual will then begin to focus on his or her identity as a member of the African American group.
Immersion/Emersion
At the beginning of this stage, African Americans are widely interested in the African American culture. As they gain a sense of love for their community, the simultaneously gain a sense of hatred toward the European American community. Towards the end of this stage, the anger and hatred directed toward the European American community will fade as the individual learns more about their history and culture. The individual will conclude this stage having developed a more defined, positive or affirmed sense of self.
Internalization
In this stage, the African American will become more accepting of European Americans. The individual will build relationships with European Americans as well as with members of other oppressed groups. He or she finds purpose in advocating for societal change.
Internalization-Commitment
At the fifth stage, the African American translates his or her new found self acceptance into a commitment to societal change. He or she advocates for African Americans as a group as well as for other racial minority groups. This sense of commitment continues to develop over time.
In using this model, counselors can explore how their African American client views themselves and the European American population. If the counselor is European American, he or she can use this model as a discussion point on how the client perceives