Culture and Psychotherapy: Review and Practical Guidelines

Abstract

In this overview, the subject of culture and psychotherapy is considered broadly from five perspectives: (i) culture-embedded indigenous healing practices, (ii) culture-influenced ‘unique’ psychotherapies, (iii) cultural elements in ‘mainstream’ therapies, (iv) the practice of psychotherapy in different societies, and (v) intercultural psychotherapy. Various modes of therapy are compared with respect to their basic orientations, techniques and mechanisms of therapy. Culture-relevant psychotherapy requires technical adjustment, theoretical modifications and philosophical reconsideration. Practical suggestions are made regarding areas that need attention in order to conduct culturally appropriate psychotherapy.

A need for ethnic similarity in the therapist–patient interaction? Mediterranean migrants in Dutch mental‐health care

“…Since ethnic similarity often is pictured as providing a safe and trustful situation, this is a rather intriguing result as well. The finding is supported by a review by Tseng (1999), who stressed there is no doubt that congruence of cultural background between therapist and patient can benefit the therapy process; however, the usual assumption that every client is better treated by a therapist of the same cultural background does not hold validity. Besides, from a practical point of view, there always will be too few therapists of various cultural backgrounds to match that of the patient in every case.…”

Effective psychotherapy in a racially and culturally diverse society

“…In culturally diverse societies, practitioners and services will need to adapt interventions, or deliver them with a discerning and sensitive appreciation of the way a treatment is received. Tseng (1999) classifies therapies around the world into three types: the culturally embedded (e.g. Zar possession and trance states); those influenced by the culture (e.g.…”

The psychology of gratitude

“…A hála átélésének támogatása áll a Japánból származó, speciális Naikan-terápia középpont-jában is. A technika egy, a páciens kapcsolataira fókuszáló, vezetett introspekció, amelynek célja, hogy a narcisztikus nézôpont (panaszkodás és mások okolása) helyett hálát érezzünk azok iránt, akik az életünkben valaha, valamiben is segítségünkre voltak (Tseng, 1999).…”