Being culturally biased is an issue that can hurt therapists-clients’ relationships, quality of services, and patient outcomes. Therefore, psychotherapists need to consider various factors when addressing cultural differences to guarantee better results (La Roche & Maxie, 2003). They should first address the most salient cultural differences to establish a good therapeutic alliance (point 2). This approach can help clinicians understand their clients’ unique cultural perspectives about particular issues (La Roche & Maxie, 2003). Additionally, it can help open an opportunity for further discussion about the implications of their differences in the therapy.
Psychotherapists should also address similarities to set an excellent introduction to a discussion about cultural differences (point 3). Although patients and therapists may differ considerably in various cultural attributes, there is a possibility of the two parties sharing cultural similarities. Therapists alleviate clients’ doubt and increase their credibility when addressing commonalities (La Roche & Maxie, 2003).
Acknowledging similarities is instrumental in establishing rapport and instilling a sense of comfort, acceptance, and security in the patients. Therapists should recognize that their cultural competence can significantly influence the way differences are addressed (point 9). Their beliefs and attitudes towards clients from dissimilar cultures can play a critical role in psychotherapy (La Roche & Maxie, 2003). Therefore, they should assess their thoughts and feelings about providing services to patients from different cultural backgrounds and ensure they have basic information about their clients’ cultures.
From the case study about Carlotta Hernandez, Mr. Cutoff demonstrated cultural bias in different ways. He praises Ms. Hernandez’s academic achievement, indicating that he favors people who thrive well in education over uneducated or poor performers. He also encourages his client to cut ties with her family or minimize contact with them. To Mr. Cutoff, individual achievement is more important than familial relationships. He does not understand how much Ms. Hernandez values healthy family connections, which worsens his client’s condition when he proposes disconnection of these relationships.
Reference
La Roche, M., & Maxie, A. (2003). Ten considerations in addressing cultural differences in psychotherapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34(2), 180-186. Web.