Making Difference Matter: An Exploration of Culture and Identity in the Therapeutic Domain

Abstract

This paper examines a number of dimensions which the author believes are pivotal to a feminist perspective in working with clients from linguistically and culturally diverse communities. Definitions of culture and identity are examined in the context of power, followed by a discussion of the therapist's relationship with her/his frameworks of knowledge. Finally, the place of ethics is considered, drawing on a recent analysis of democracy. Through this discussion and analysis, therapists may reflect more fully on their own culture and identity, without which it is not possible to do therapy which can bridge cultural difference.

Habla Mi Idioma? An Exploratory Review of Working Systemically with People from Diverse Cultures: An Australian Perspective

“…Many publications highlighted an increase in immigration to Western countries and the subsequent increase in the number of individuals and families from CaLD backgrounds (also referred to as 'ethnic groups', or 'minority groups') accessing therapeutic services. The scant literature found in working therapeutically with this group was also highlighted (Bowker & Richards, 2004;Codrington et al, 2011;McIlwaine, 2002;Morris & Lee, 2004;Poulsen & Thomas, 2007;Sawrikar, 2013).…”

“…A number of papers (Chang & Berk, ; Chang & Yoon, ; Singh & Clarke, ) emphasise therapists being strongly influenced by their own cultural background, two of note being Australian family therapist Fiona McIlwaine () and psychiatrist and Chinese immigrant to the United Kingdom, Annie Lau (). Both authors argue that therapists’ over‐reliance on their own culture leads to generalisations and assumptions made about their ‘ethnic' clients or families from diverse cultures.…”

“…Both authors argue that therapists’ over‐reliance on their own culture leads to generalisations and assumptions made about their ‘ethnic' clients or families from diverse cultures. There is an underlying assumption that clients perceive and experience their world through the same lens as therapists do (Lau, ; McIlwaine, ). Therapists also assume clients’ values are based on the same principles as their own.…”