This paper will critically examine how the concept of culture has been conceptualized & operationalized in cross-cultural counselling, with emphasis on counselling & psychotherapy with North American Aboriginal peoples. Particular attention will be paid to the problems inherent in the “handbook” approach, wherein short descriptions of cultures are provided to practitioners, to serve as guides when treating specific patients. This paper will examine the historic roots of Aboriginal cultural portraits as well as contemporary perspectives. (41 refs.)