561 - DEENA'S VERSION Culture Issues in Psych Practice Flashcards

Question

racism

Answer 1

WHAT: A system of prejudicial beliefs, practices, and structures that perpetuate discrimination and inequality on the basis of race/ethnicity. Occurs on a personal, institution, and systemic level. Includes... - negative emotional reactions to members of a racial group - belief in negative stereotypes - belief that other racial groups are inferior - belief that race biologically determines abilities and traits - (micro)agressions WHY: Important for therapists to be aware of how racism on each level may affect a client and their presenting issue(s). A therapist should validate a client's experiences with racism, support them in coping with and overcoming the barriers set in place. EXAMPLE: A therapist has just begun seeing a 15 year old African-American girl. She attends a primarily white school and describes being bullied and ostracized by her white peers. She is now presenting with symptoms of depression and low self esteem as a result of her classmates' racism.

Answer 2

WHAT: The advantages white people have over other races. 4 Characteristics- 1) having the power to define their reality 2) having (un)conscious biases that POC are inferior 3) believing they are not prejudiced 4) being blind to their white privledge WHY: Important to know white privilege affects the experience of all people. Acknowledge white privilege helps to understand clients, and better support them to cope with and overcome the barriers set in place. Creates a culturally aware and more effective treatment. EXAMPLE: An African-American client is telling his white therapist his experience of racial discrimination at work. The therapist says he "doesn't see color", which is a demonstration of his white privilege. The therapist has grown up with the privilege of not seeing race, because his race has not affected him in the same way the client's race has affected her. The therapist is neglecting to see their biases and privilege which may damage the alliance.

Answer 3

WHAT: The process of white people developing a non racist identity and become aware of the implications of racism. Racism is assumed to be a ventral part of being a white American. 2 General Phases = abandonment of racism & defining a non racist white identity 6 Specific Phases = 1) Contact - oblivious to racism and the significance of one's race in society - believing they're not racist 2) Disintegration - person identifies conflicting beliefs (I'm not racist, but my daughter can't marry a black man) 3) Reintegration - in an attempt to resolve dissonance from stage 2, person fully identifies with white superiority 4) Pseudo-Independence - new information or event removes person from reintegration phase - new awareness of race and racism - may identify with struggles of POC 5) Immersion/Emersion Status - confront their own biases - work to combat racism and oppression 6) Autonomy Status - acceptance of their white role in perpetuating racism - knowledgable about and comfortable with racial and cultural differences WHY: This model is important for understanding how white clients may perceive and react to race and racism. A therapist may help a client progress through the model, supporting them in developing self awareness, personal growth, and an informed, empathic, anti-racist stance. EXAMPLE: An African-American client is telling his white therapist his experience of racial discrimination at work. The therapist says he "doesn't see color", which is a demonstration of his white privilege. The therapist is oblivious to racism and the significance of the client's race to society. The therapist is neglecting to see his biases and privilege will damage the alliance.

Answer 4

WHAT: The perspective through which an individual or group interprets and responds to the world around them. Involves... - beliefs, values, assumptions, and attitudes - personal insights about reality - misinformation + lack of knowledge - biases and prejudices WHY: Important as a client's worldview will affect their attitudes and behaviors. Different cultures will often have different worldviews. Important for a therapist to understand a client's worldview, and to not impose their own worldview upon a client. EXAMPLE: A therapist is working with an Asian-American client that holds collectivistic world views. The therapist holds individualistic world views, and must be care as to not impose their own attitudes and ideals upon the client, or passing judgements about the client being 'too dependent' or dependence being a negative thing.

Answer 5

WHAT: Four interactive factors to consider while working with AA clients: 1) racial oppression + reactions to is 2) influence of the majority culture 3) influence of Afro-American culture 4) influence of personal experiences - Consider racial bias and discrimination again AA + important to not place blame on client - Therapist should assess systemic issues affecting client + client's response to situation - Power and privilege may affect treatment - Strong family and community ties *** depending on location in racial identity development, may have negative reaction towards white therapists WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's cultural and racial differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Important to be knowledge and aware of cultural differences-- offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to not overgeneralize. EXAMPLE: A Black woman, Jessica, is seeking treatment for the first time. She directly challenges the therapist and asks what she knows about her experience being Black in America. Jessica's confrontational attitude may be indicative of where she is in her racial identity development. Therapist must be mindful to not take her outburst personally or get defensive.

Answer 6

WHAT: Personalismo - accepting small gifts - seen as form of multicultural competency - not seen as boundary crossing in this case - rejecting gift may hinder therapeutic relationship Familismo - Latin cultural value - dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family - gender roles important (machismo= men expected to provide and be strong) - immigration policies - high stigma with mental illness WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's cultural and racial differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Important to be knowledge and aware of cultural differences-- offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: The Gomez family came to therapy due to increasing levels of conflict at home. The father did not speak English, so their son functioned as a translator. The therapist spoke of the father's problems in front of the entire family. This + the son being the translator created tension, as it went against the rules of the family's hierarchical structure.

Answer 7

WHAT: - the family includes extended family -- collectivistic!! - spirituality + respect of traditional values important (can be protective factor) - acculturation conflicts prominent -- explore client's ethic identity + their own adherence to traditional values - domestic violence, depression, anxiety, suicidality substance use prominent - client's relation to tribe is important to assess + how it relates to personal identity - goals should not just be oriented to the individual WHY: Important to consider how one's cultural and racial differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Important to be knowledge and aware of cultural differences-- offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: Jenny is at a personal crossroads and is feeling anguished about her decision. She seeks therapy, and mentions looking for signs in nature and relying heavily on advice from her family on what to do. Her therapist should be sensitive and respectful of these sources of information, understanding that Jenny's collectivistic culture values communing with nature and family. Dismissing these sources as irrelevant would be a mistake.

Answer 8

WHERE: 561 cultural issues in psych practice WHAT: - know the client's gender + sexual identity and their pronouns - be aware of the coming out process - common disorders: depression, anxiety, substance abuse - high rates of suicide, bullying homelessness - know of community support systems *use gender neutral language esp during assessments **remember presenting issue may have nothing to do with sexual or gender identity Intersectionality is important to consider Important to create a safe space with an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance WHY: Important to consider how one's differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Need to create an especially safe space with an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. Offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. If aiding the client in the coming out process, ensure they are prepared for every possible reaction. Can be hard to develop a healthy self identity when dealing with conflicts regarding sexual and/or gender identity. EXAMPLE: Tyler is a college student who has sought therapy for symptoms of depression and anxiety. Since starting college, he has been open about his sexual orientation. However, he is not out to his family and is nervous about coming out when he returns home for the summer. The therapist may connect Tyler with community support systems in his home town, and work to prepare him for any reactions from his family to him coming out.

Answer 9

WHERE: 561 cultural issues in psych practice WHAT: - collectivistic people-- need to consider family and. community - hierarchal and patriarchal family - emotional display seen as immature and as a lack of self control --> techniques on showing emotions may be uncomfortable - acculturation conflicts (inc. gap between child and parent), racism, and discrimination common - discussing confidentiality may aid in therapeutic alliance ! * least responsive to group therapy WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's cultural and racial differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Important to be knowledge and aware of cultural differences-- offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: Jenny is a client that has sought treatment for her depressive symptoms. She says her parents don't approve of therapy and is worried about them finding out about what she talks about. The therapist may explain confidentiality and reassure Jenny her parents do not have access to anything discussed in session.

Answer 10

WHERE: 561 culture issues in psych practice WHAT: - interdependence among family members - hierarchal family structure -- keep in mind gender role differences within family - modifying cognitive distortions using Islam - common: acculturation issues, racism (esp post 9/11), religion, mistrust of authority figures - western values may contradict Arab ones WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's cultural and racial differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Important to be knowledge and aware of cultural differences-- offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: Mariam is seeking treatment due to her anxiety, which she believes is stemming from her home life. She is unhappy living at home, but her parents will not allow her to move out on her own, even though she is financially independent. The therapist may help Mariam see if there is a way to gain her independence while also preserving her relationship with her parents.

Answer 11

WHERE: 561 culture issues in psych practice WHAT: - need to assess if client identify as a religious Jew or solely a cultural Jew - may be helpful for therapist to consult with rabbis + become knowledgable about Jewish culture - cultural adapted/compatible interventions! (respect holidays, etc.) - oppression, racism, discrimination often experienced WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's cultural and racial differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Important to be knowledge and aware of cultural differences-- offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: John is a Jewish client who is struggling with accepting he's gay due to his religious upbringing. The therapist may work with John on self-acceptance using a culturally adapted/compatible intervention.

Answer 12

WHERE: 561 cultural issues in psych practice WHAT: - should assess for invisible disabilities too!! - should emphasize on self advocacy, empowerment, finding meaning in one's experience, sexual satisfaction, and the client's sense of control - therapy may need to... redirect internalized self-blame, reframe to find client's strengths, advocate - client's disability should not be the sole issue discussed - may be helpful to include family in treatment (esp when planning for environment changes) - common experiences: ableism, depression, substance abuse - !! office should be ADA accessible!! WHY: Important to consider how one's differences may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Need to create an especially safe space with an atmosphere of understanding and empowerment. Important to not assume client is not capable of doing certain things. Offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. EXAMPLE: A therapist is looking for offices for her new private practice. She immediately rules out any spaces that are not compliant with the ADA's guidelines for accessibility (i.e. stairs only). She also incorporates accessibility into her policies (allowing service animals, offering documents in audio and braille versions).

Answer 13

WHERE: 561 culture issues in psych practice WHAT: - common: discrimination/sexism/biases, SA, economic + employment barriers, DV, depression - consider impact of power imbalances on females/living in a patriarchal society - tightrope of being too feminine or too masculine - impacts of sexual objectification - social beauty standards/pressures, body ideals - expected to 'mother' -- prioritize needs of others WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's gender may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Therapist may need to educate themselves on things women experience. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: Caroline is a client who is seeking therapy due to her overwhelming anxiety due to her dislike of her appearance. She feels that she's unattractive and has begun restricting her food intake to lose weight. The therapist should understand it is common for female clients to have (negative) concerns surrounding their appearances and beauty standards.

Answer 14

WHERE: 561 culture issues in psych practice WHAT: - common: learning disorders, ADHD, disciplinary problems, violence, aggression, discrimination for ethnic minorities - men may face issues with expressing and coping with negative emotions, toxic masculinity, and societal expectations - less likely to seek and continue treatment due to being seen as weak -- more likely if client is in a crisis - solution focused better received rather than discussing emotions WHY: The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's gender may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Therapist may need to educate themselves on things men experience. If client is a minority, important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: Tom has come into therapy after going through a very bad breakup. He tells the therapist he doesn't want to talk about his feelings and he just wants to be told how to feel better. The therapist may used solution-oriented present-focused interventions with Tom.

Answer 15

WHERE: 561 culture issues in psych practice WHAT: - consider client's hierarchy of needs -- ensure basic needs are met -- not having needs met may lead to psychological issues - common: discrimination and stereotypes of being lazy/on drugs, social exclusion - unsafe environments increase risk of violence and trauma - may face barrier to treatment such as transportation and inflexible work schedule - educational barriers (money, work, time) - advocacy ! WHY: Important to understand no meaningful work can be done in therapy if a client doesn't have basic needs met-- it could be the basis for client's psychological problems. The counselor may need to identify any biases they may hold. Important to consider how one's SES may affect them during therapy + affect their response to treatment. Offending the client could greatly hinder a therapeutic alliance. Therapist may need to educate themselves on things people in poverty experience. Important to have an understanding of the history of injustice this group has experienced. Important to tailor treatment to each individual. EXAMPLE: Grace has been referred to treatment from a domestic violence clinic. Since leaving her partner, she is not employed and falls below the poverty line. The therapist should asses if her basic needs are met (safety, food, shelter, etc.) before doing deeper psychological work.