561 - Culture Issues in Psych Practice Flashcards
acculturation
WHERE: culture issues in psych practice
WHAT: The process by which groups/a person changes their social and cultural values from their original cultural to align with a different culture (usually a mainstream on)
- AKA integrating the dominant culture into your own
- can create stress/conflict if there are differences in acculturation within a family or relationship
- bidirectional relationship
WHY: Different levels of acculturation affects how clients perceive and respond to the therapist. It is important to keep this in mind when creating a treatment plan. To increase efficacy of treatment and strength the therapeutic relationship, the therapist may alter their approached to align with the clients cultural values and norms.
EXAMPLE: A 30-year-old client had recently moved to the US from Japan. She speaks some English, but struggles with cultural differences and feels lonely. The therapist addresses things with the woman such as cultural stress and finding her a social support group.
ADDRESSING model
WHERE: cultural issues in psychological practice
WHAT: Helps to fully understand a client. Helpful to see in what way the client may be in a marginalized group.
A- age
D- disability at birth
D- disability acquirred
R- religion
E- ethnicity
S- sexual orientation
S- socioeconomic status
I- indigenous heritage
N- nation of origin
G- gender
WHY: This model allows for the therapist to consider a range of culture factors that influence a client’s identity and their experiences. It aids in creating relevant and effective treatment goals.
EXAMPLE: Dahlia is an 18 year old with no disabilities, she is Buddhist, Indian, a lesbian, upper class, no indigenous heritage, was born in the USA, and is a CIS gendered girl. The therapist will gather information about how aspects of her identity may be influencing her presenting problems.
anti-racism
WHERE: cultural issues in psychological practice
WHAT: Involves actively working against the racist attitudes ingrained within society by working towards change and being a social justice warrior.
Apart of developing a multicultural attitude surrounding societal change.
WHY: A therapist having an anti-racist attitude means they are advocates for minority groups and they address systemic injustices that prevent growth and development of clients.
EXAMPLE: A therapist may validate and reassure a client that feels they were a victim of racism. They may reinforce the fact that racism is real, and it can have a real effect on one’s mental health. Outside of sessions, the therapist may participate in BLM protests to advocate, empower, and work against systems of oppressions.
assimilation
WHERE: cultural issues in psychological practice
WHAT: The process of a person adopting a new culture’s beliefs and practices and lose their original features/culture
- individuals/groups of a foreign culture are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society
- common among immigrant populations that seek to blend into society– want to belong
WHY: Clients who are assimilating into a new culture may face unique challenges, such as identity conflict and social isolation. Adopting new norms and practices can cause stress. Therapists may also help clients find a balance between their native culture and the new culture to help clients stay authentic while also fitting into their new environment.
EXAMPLE: A client immigrated to the USA from Egypt when he was a child. Now, as a teen, he is seeking therapy due to assimilation conflicts with his family. He has fully assimilated to US culture and has rejected/forgotten must of his native culture (the language, the customs, etc.). His parents only speak Arabic at home and resist/reject American culture.
bicultural
WHERE: cultural issues in psychological practice
WHAT: When a person has identifies with two different cultural identities // is able to function in two different cultural environments
- a bicultural person is. aware of the dominant culture’s + their native culture’s values, beliefs, and norms
- incl. language, values, customs, and norms
Maintaining/being bicultural may be difficult for the individual if the majority, dominant culture is pressuring assimilation.
WHY: While seeing bicultural clients, the therapist may need to assist in managing conflicts/discrepancies between the two cultures, support acculturation, and facilitate a positive self-identity. Maintaining/being bicultural may be difficult for the individual, especially if the dominant culture is pressuring assimilation
EXAMPLE: Mariam is a teenage bicultural girl who was born in the USA, but her parents were born in Egypt. Her and her family spend summer months in Egypt. She speaks both Arabic and English, and feels apart of both Egyptian and American culture. Mariam came to therapy because she feels conflicted between the traditional Egyptian values and the more liberal American ones.
coming out process
WHERE: cultural issues in psychological practice
WHAT: The process of self-identification and self-acceptance for LGBTQ+ people.
Can include disclosures of one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity to people in their life.
May lead to rejection and anger, or relief and acceptance.
6 Stage Process: confusion, comparison, tolerance, acceptance, pride, synthesis
WHY: Coming out is a significant even, and therapists working with the LGBT+ community need to understand the significance and the intricacies of the process in order to adequately support clients.
Can also help clients work through their fears of the possible consequences of coming out.
EXAMPLE: John is a 18 year old boy. He recently came out to his close friends and told them he was gay. He is unsure of whether or not/how to tell his very conservative parents. He came to therapy due to ambivalence, stress, and fear of rejection.
cultural competence
WHERE: During therapy, being culturally competent involves recognizing and addressing potential cultural barriers to treatment, such as language differences, cultural stigmas around mental health, and varying attitudes toward therapy. Therapists can develop strategies to overcome these barriers and facilitate better access to care.
WHAT: Cultural Competency refers to the ability of therapists and other professionals to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves being aware of one’s own cultural worldview, gaining knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and developing cross-cultural skills to provide appropriate and respectful care.
WHY: Cultural competency is crucial in therapy for building trust, providing effective and relevant treatment, reducing misunderstandings, addressing cultural barriers, promoting inclusivity and equity, enhancing self-awareness, improving client outcomes, practicing ethically, and responding to the needs of diverse populations.
EXAMPLE: An example of being culturally competent in regards to therapy would be if a therapist were to change their approach to a more collectivist attitude when working with someone from a non-western culture. By accommodating treatment the patient may have a better outcome and establish rapport with the therapist due to their level of understanding.
cultural universality
WHERE: Identifying common human experiences can promote empathy and connection between therapists and clients. It helps therapists appreciate clients’ feelings and experiences from a perspective that acknowledges both universal and culturally specific elements.
WHAT: Cultural Universality refers to the idea that certain psychological processes, behaviors, and experiences are common across all human cultures, despite variations in cultural contexts. It suggests that there are fundamental aspects of human experience that are shared universally, such as basic emotional responses, cognitive processes, and certain psychological needs.
WHY: Cultural universality is important in therapy because it provides a foundation for understanding shared aspects of human experience, guides the application of evidence-based practices, enhances cross-cultural understanding, and promotes empathy and connection. It helps therapists balance universal principles with cultural specificity, leading to more effective and culturally sensitive care.
EXAMPLE: An example of Cultural Universality would be to take and Etic approach to counseling. This could look like a counselor holding the view that mental disorders such as panic disorder, depression, and schizophrenia appear throughout all cultures.
culture
WHERE: Culture is present throughout all of therapy as clients are more likely to engage in therapy and adhere to treatment plans when their cultural context is considered. Cultural competence helps in making therapy more relevant and engaging for clients, leading to better outcomes.
WHAT: Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, practices, traditions, languages, and social norms that characterize a group of people. It encompasses the ways of life, customs, rituals, and social behaviors that are passed down through generations and shape how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
WHY: Culture is fundamental in therapy because it shapes clients’ experiences, beliefs, and behaviors. Recognizing and incorporating cultural factors ensures that therapy is relevant, effective, and respectful, leading to better client engagement and outcomes. It also helps therapists to provide equitable care and address cultural barriers and biases.
EXAMPLE: An example of culture being involved in therapy would be to look at CBT itself. This western approach to mental health treatment focuses on the individual and how they have control over their outcomes and achievements. By acknowledging that this approach is created by and benefits western culture can the therapist adapt and change said approach based on ones culture.
culture bound
WHERE: Culture bound syndromes can be found all over the world. Understanding culture-bound aspects of a client’s experience allows therapists to communicate more effectively. Ethical therapy practice involves recognizing and respecting the cultural backgrounds of clients.
WHAT: Culture bound refers to behaviors, practices, beliefs, or conditions that are specific to a particular culture and may not be found or understood outside that cultural context.
WHY: Recognizing and addressing culture-bound aspects in therapy ensures that treatment is respectful, effective, and appropriate for the client’s cultural context. This awareness enhances the therapeutic alliance, fosters better outcomes, and supports the overall well-being of the patient.
EXAMPLE: A patient comes to see a counselor due to panic attack like symptoms regarding the belief that their genitals might be shrinking. This disorder is a culture bound and also known as Koro. Found in Southeast Asia, it is important for the counselor to demonstrate cultural competence and awareness of culture-bound phenomena in order to help the patient.
emic
WHERE: An Emic perspective can be found throughout therapy, research, and policy making. In areas such as public health, education, and social services, interventions and policies that are informed by an emic perspective are more likely to be culturally appropriate and effective. They take into account the specific needs, values, and practices of the community.
WHAT: An emic approach refers to studying a culture from within, focusing on the intrinsic cultural distinctions that are meaningful to the members of that society. This perspective seeks to understand cultural phenomena from the point of view of the people who live within the culture being studied.
WHY: The emic approach is crucial for gaining a deep, authentic understanding of a culture from within. It respects the unique perspectives of cultural members, enhances cultural sensitivity, and informs more effective and appropriate interventions and policies
EXAMPLE: An example of an Emic perspective would be if a researcher used specific indigenous beliefs, practices, and terminology in order to understand and communicate the concept of mental health to one of another culture.
ethnicity
WHERE: Some mental health issues may be closely tied to ethnic experiences, such as discrimination, acculturation stress, and identity conflicts. Therapists need to understand these specific challenges to provide appropriate support and interventions.
WHAT: Ethnicity refers to a group of people who share a common cultural, ancestral, language, or historical background. It encompasses a range of cultural factors, including nationality, regional culture, ancestry, and language, which contribute to a person’s identity and sense of belonging.
WHY: Recognizing and incorporating ethnicity into therapy is crucial for providing culturally competent care, building trust, tailoring interventions, and addressing the unique experiences and challenges faced by clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
EXAMPLE: An example of utilizing ethnicity in therapy would be if a therapist were working with an Asian American patient. In this patients culture it is taboo to hold intense eye contact with anyone that isn’t in a position of authority. To be multiculturally competent and aware of the patients ethnicity, the therapist can limit eye contact and adapt therapy to be inclusive to their patient.
etic
WHERE: An Etic perspective can be found throughout therapy and research and can include quantitative measures, controlled observations, and other standard western methodologies that emphasize reliability and validity.
WHAT: An Etic approach refers to studying cultural phenomena from the perspective of an outsider, often using concepts and criteria that may not be intrinsic to the culture being studied.
WHY: The etic perspective on culture is crucial for providing an objective, comparative, and scientifically rigorous understanding of human societies.
EXAMPLE: An example of an Etic perspective would be if a researcher were to use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to analyze social behavior of a different culture. This theory is standard in western culture but may not be applicable to all.
ethnocentric monoculturalism
WHERE: The impacts of ethnocentric monoculturalism can alter policies, social norms, education, media representation, access to opportunities, as well as access to health care. This way of thinking and behaving is often upheld and maintained by those in positions of power and privilege.
WHAT: This is the belief in the superiority of one’s own culture, ethnic group, or race and that these concepts are thrust upon the cultures, values, norms, and practices of other groups. This belief system is the foundation of oppression, marginalization, and devaluation of other cultures by viewing them as inferior or of less importance.
WHY: This makes it very important for therapists to unmask or deconstruct the values, biases and assumptions that reside in our preconceived notions that universal psychology is one size fits all.
EXAMPLE: An example of this would be to use a strictly CBT approach, that one can is the master of their own fate, and apply that to someone from an Eastern culture. This individualistic approach may be harmful and ineffective for an individual from a collectivist culture.
individualism
WHERE: Therapy can be more effective when it aligns with the client’s cultural orientation. For clients from individualistic backgrounds, therapeutic approaches that emphasize self-exploration, personal growth, and individual responsibility may be particularly effective.
WHAT: Individualism is a social and cultural orientation that emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy, self-reliance, personal goals, and independence. In individualistic cultures, people are encouraged to prioritize their personal needs and aspirations over those of the group.
WHY: The importance of individualism in therapy allows therapists to better understand their clients’ perspectives, tailor therapeutic approaches, and support personal growth and autonomy. This alignment with cultural values can enhance the therapeutic relationship and the effectiveness of treatment.
EXAMPLE: Individualistic cultures put an emphasis on goal setting and accomplishments as a way to enhance ones personal development. An example of this being used in therapy is incorporating SMART goals from out CBT toolbox to help empower the individualistic patient.
institutional racism
WHERE: Throughout therapy, counselors have a role in educating themselves and others about institutional racism. This includes ongoing professional development and raising awareness within their professional and community networks about the pervasive effects of systemic racism.
WHAT: Institutional Racism refers to the policies, practices, and procedures within institutions and organizations that systematically result in unequal access to resources and opportunities based on race. This form of racism is embedded in the established and respected forces in society, such as the legal system, education system, healthcare system, and employment practices, which perpetuate racial inequalities and disadvantages for people of color.
WHY: Addressing institutional racism in therapy is essential for providing effective, culturally sensitive, and equitable care. It involves understanding the systemic barriers that clients face, validating their experiences, empowering them, and advocating for social justice and systemic change.
EXAMPLE: An example of institutionalized racism in therapy would be if a black female patient were to come into therapy and share a traumatic event regarding the birth of her child. A multiculturally competent therapist would recognize the risk that black women have giving birth due to institutionalized racism. The therapist can then acknowledge this systemic issue and then empower the patient by providing culturally sensitive care.
microaggression
WHERE: They can also take the form of creating an unsafe environment or physical surroundings that make a targeted group feel unwelcome, isolated, and alienated. These slights can be focused on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, and ability
WHAT: A microaggression refers to the brief commonplace verbal, behavioral, or environmental slights, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative insults toward a group of people in a marginalized group.
WHY: By understanding and addressing microaggressions, individuals and institutions can work towards creating more inclusive, respectful, and equitable environments.
EXAMPLE: An example of a microaggression in therapy could look like a therapist stating, “you speak so well for a black person!”. This sends the underlying message that one’s race is directly correlated to their intelligence and that intelligence is associated with whiteness. Whether this statement was intentional or unintentional it may have a large negative impact on the patient and could potentially cause the patient to withdraw from therapy.
minority
WHERE: Being multiculturally competent can happen at any point in therapy in which the therapists’ awareness of their own cultural biases and the dynamics of power and privilege is crucial. This self-awareness helps in creating a therapeutic environment that is respectful and equitable.
WHAT: A minority group is a population subset that is distinguished by its distinct cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, or other characteristics, and is typically in a position of relative disadvantage or marginalization within a larger society. Minority status is often associated with reduced access to resources, power, and opportunities compared to the dominant group.
WHY: Understanding minority status in therapy is crucial for providing culturally competent care, addressing systemic disadvantages, building trust, tailoring interventions, and promoting social justice. It ensures that therapy is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the unique experiences and needs of minority clients.
EXAMPLE: An example of an instance in which minority status and therapy converge would be if a therapist were to take on a patient that is gay. By acknowledging their minority status and creating a safe environment for them to talk about their lived experience can a therapist engage in multicultural counseling regarding one’s minority status.
multicultural competencies
WHERE: These skills can be used at any time throughout therapy to help the counselor better understand and connect with those that may not be from the dominant culture.
WHAT: Multicultural competencies in counseling refer to the skills, knowledge, and awareness that therapists need to effectively work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. These competencies are crucial because they ensure that counseling practices are inclusive, respectful, and effective in meeting the unique needs of each client.
WHY: Multicultural competencies are fundamental in counseling because they ensure that therapeutic practices are inclusive, respectful, and effective for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. By developing these competencies, therapists can provide better care, foster positive therapeutic relationships, and contribute to a more just and equitable mental health system.
EXAMPLE: As a therapist striving towards multicultural competence, I might ask a minority client that I am working with to educate me on aspect of their cultural identity. For example, if I was working with a Hispanic/Latino(a) client, I might ask about the importance of family within his/her culture. This could demonstrate cultural humility on my part, recognizing that I don’t know all aspects of her situation.
multicultural perspective in counseling
WHERE: During therapy should be a collaborative process where the therapist and client work together to integrate cultural understanding into the treatment plan. This empowers clients and respects their cultural autonomy.
WHAT: The multicultural perspective in therapy involves recognizing, understanding, and integrating the cultural backgrounds and identities of clients into the therapeutic process. This perspective acknowledges that culture profoundly influences individuals’ experiences, beliefs, values, and behaviors. It is essential for providing effective and respectful mental health care.
WHY: he multicultural perspective is crucial in therapy because it ensures that mental health care is respectful, relevant, and effective for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. By integrating this perspective, therapists can enhance understanding, build trust, reduce biases, and provide more tailored and ethical care.
EXAMPLE: A counselor who is aware of her multicultural perspective works with different culturally diverse groups. Her perspective has made her keenly aware of the biases that she was raised with. One such bias she has recognized is that thinking some groups may be a drain on the social system (i.e., food stamps). She has explored this bias and cultivated knowledge about groups to know this is an inaccurate assertion.
oppression
WHERE: Oppression often intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, gender, and class. Understanding these intersections helps therapists provide nuanced and comprehensive support that considers the multiple dimensions of clients’ experiences during therapy.
WHAT: Oppression refers to the systemic and institutionalized mistreatment and discrimination of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, or other identities. It involves the abuse of power and the imposition of unfair and unequal treatment that limits opportunities and access to resources for marginalized groups.
WHY: Understanding oppression is crucial in therapy because it helps address the systemic and institutional factors contributing to clients’ challenges, validates their experiences, and supports them in navigating and overcoming discrimination.
EXAMPLE: An example of oppression in therapy would be if a trans patient came in for depression and anxiety due to harassment from their gender identity and sexual orientation. By acknowledging that trans individuals experience more violent harassments and ostracization than other queer groups can the therapist try and uphold a safe space for them.
poverty and mental illness
WHERE: Poverty can significantly impact mental health by increasing stress, limiting access to resources, and contributing to feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Understanding the interplay between poverty and mental illness helps therapists provide contextually relevant and effective support.
WHAT:
Poverty refers to a socioeconomic condition where individuals or groups lack the financial resources necessary to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It often involves limited access to opportunities and resources and can be both a cause and consequence of various social and economic challenges.
Mental Illness encompasses a range of conditions that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior, and can impact their overall mental and emotional well-being. Common mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
WHY: Understanding the relationship between poverty and mental illness is crucial in therapy because it helps therapists address the full scope of clients’ challenges, provide holistic and effective care, reduce stigma, and promote equity. It ensures that therapy is relevant and supportive of clients’ socioeconomic and mental health needs, leading to better overall outcomes.
EXAMPLE: A patient comes to see you with a description of depressive symptoms. The patient lives below the poverty line and has a hard time gaining access to nutritious foods due to living in a food desert and fears for her safety due to violence in her neighborhood. This would be an example of how the conditions of poverty help exacerbate mental health problems.
race
WHERE: Incorporating an understanding of race into therapeutic practice is part of being culturally competent. It ensures that therapists provide care that is respectful of and relevant to clients’ racial backgrounds and experiences.
WHAT: Race is a socially constructed concept used to categorize people based on physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture. It is often linked to a person’s ethnic background or heritage but is not grounded in biological differences. Instead, race is a construct that has been used historically and culturally to create and maintain social hierarchies and power dynamics.
WHY: Race is important in therapy because it helps therapists grasp the complexities of clients’ identities and experiences, address racial stress and trauma, and provide culturally competent and equitable care. It enhances the therapeutic relationship, tailors interventions, and supports clients in navigating issues related to their racial identity.
EXAMPLE: An Asian American patient comes into therapy for anxiety like symptoms after racist hate crimes have taken place against Asian American individuals due to stigma from the corona virus. In order to give adequate mental health care, it is vital for the counselor to address disparities between race and being aware of their own biases.
racial identity development model
WHERE: For therapists, understanding these models promotes cultural competence, enabling them to provide more sensitive and effective care to clients from diverse racial backgrounds.
WHAT: The Racial Identity Development Model describes the stages individuals go through as they come to understand and develop their racial identity. These models help explain how people perceive, internalize, and respond to their own and others’ racial identities over time. Recognizing and understanding these stages is crucial in therapy because it allows therapists to better support clients as they navigate issues related to race and identity.
WHY: The Racial Identity Development Model is an essential tool in therapy for understanding and supporting clients’ experiences related to race and identity. By recognizing the stages of racial identity development, therapists can provide more nuanced, culturally sensitive, and effective interventions, ultimately fostering clients’ personal growth and well-being.
EXAMPLE: A black patient comes into therapy due to feelings of uneasiness and anxiety after watching the body cam footage of a white officer brutalizing another black person. This causes the black patient to rethink the power structure of this country resulting in a shift of worldviews. In cross’s model of racial identity development this patient would be in the encounter stage of racial development.
