This text helps future counselors and therapists understand the context in which they practice from and to learn how to evaluate the context their clients are coming from. It moves away from the traditional categorization of clients into one group or another based on race, ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, socioeconomic status or religion. Rather, it helps students learn to practice with others different from themselves by evaluating the context or life circumstances from which their clients come. The book also provides a sound model for understanding and assessing the role that race, ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, disability and religion play in the client's life, and it gives concrete practice implications and skills.