Culture and Therapy Workshop

Outline

Working with clients from different ethnic and cultural identities than our own has become essential in every profession. Similarly, in our therapy rooms, we meet clients from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Have you ever wondered whether ethnic identity—or multiple identities—plays a significant role in the therapeutic alliance?

Western psychotherapy has been built on Eurocentric cultural values. Its emphasis on independence, individuation, and, most importantly, verbal expression may conflict with the cultural values of some clients. Furthermore, our understanding and perception of the client, their issues, and our case conceptualization are inevitably filtered through the lens of our own cultural values.

What do we need to keep in mind when working with clients whose cultural or ethnic identities differ from our own?

In this two-day training, we will explore British ethnic identity and values, and how these shape therapists’ communication styles, ways of being, and beliefs about healing. We will discuss ethnic and bi/multi-ethnic identity development, as well as the mental health challenges—such as intergenerational conflict, isolation and confusion, and discrimination based on culture—faced by bi/multi-ethnic individuals. Finally, we will introduce ways to conceptualize cases through the lens of ethnic and cultural identity theory, and explore approaches to make the therapy setting more culturally inclusive.

Objectives: 

• Explore different cultural values and beliefs, communication styles, ways of being, and approaches to healing.
• Increase understanding of one’s own cultural identity and values.
• Deepen knowledge of ethnic, bi-ethnic, and multi-ethnic identity.
• Introduce ways to conceptualize cases through ethnic and cultural identity theory.
• Develop skills to work in a more culturally inclusive way within the therapeutic setting.
• Explore the immigrant identity and experience

Topics included: 

• Definition of Cultural/Ethnic Identity
• Recognizing British Ethnic Identity and Its Values
• Acknowledging the Power and Privilege Attached to Majority Group Culture
• Understanding the Difference Between Race and Ethnicity
• Group Differences in Cultural Values and Beliefs (Individualism vs. Collectivism)
• Group Differences in Communication Styles (Direct vs. Indirect; High-Context vs. Low-Context Cultures)
• Group Differences in Ways of Being and Healing (Indigenous or Alternative Approaches to Healing)
• Locus of Control and Responsibility
• Ethnic and Bi-Ethnic Identity Development
• Immigrant Mental Health and Acculturation
• Mental Health Challenges Faced by People of Bi-/Multi-Ethnic Identity
• Exploration of Indigenous Ways of Healing
• Skills to Be More Culturally Inclusive Within a Therapy Setting

Who should attend the training?

This is an open training event for Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Psychologists, holistic therapists, psychiatrists and individuals involved in the mental health field, caring professions and those concerned about black mental health.

Facilitators

Dr. Anvita Madan-Bahel, Ph.D. in multicultural psychology

Venue

17 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PU