Psychology2016

612 CHAPTER 15

Multiple barriers to effective psychotherapy exist when the culture or ethnic back-

grounds of client and therapist are different (Sue & Sue, 2016):

• Culture-bound values. Including being individual centered versus other (or oth-
  ers) centered, verbal/emotional/behavioral expressiveness, communication pat-
  terns from client to counselor, insight, self-disclosure, scientific empiricism, and
  distinctions between mental and physical functioning (Sue & Sue, 2016). Differing
  cultural values can cause therapists to fail at forming an empathetic relationship
  (Sattler, 1977; Wedding, 2004).


• Class-bound values. Social class including impact of poverty and therapeutic class
  bias, adherence to time schedules, ambiguous approach to problems, looking for
  long-range goals (Sue & Sue, 2016). Clients from impoverished backgrounds may
  have values and experiences that the therapist cannot understand (Wedding, 2004).


• Language. Use of standard English, emphasis on verbal communication (Sue &
  Sue, 2016). Speaking different languages becomes a problem in understanding
  what both client and therapist are saying and in psychological testing (Betancourt &
  Jacobs, 2000; Lewis, 1996).


• “American” cultural assumptions. Particular values differ, and “American” values
  cannot be assumed. Differences can occur as related to identity, relationships, role
  of the family (individualism versus collectivism, nuclear family versus extended
  family), relationships with nature, time orientation, relationships with others, and
  activity (doing versus being; Sue & Sue, 2016).


• Communication style. Both verbal and nonverbal communication can differ
  between cultures and ethnicities. Communication style has a huge impact on what is
  actually said, referring to things like the physical distance between the client and
  therapist, the use of gestures, eye contact, and use of personal space (Sue & Sue,
  2016). People in some cultures are content with long periods of silence whereas
  others are not, direct eye contact is desirable in some cultures and offensive in oth-
  ers, and even facial expressions of emotion vary. For example, smiling to express
  happiness may be commonplace in U.S. society, whereas in some Chinese and
  Japanese individuals, restraint of facial expressions may be more common (Sue &
  Sue, 2016).

The American Psychiatric Association (2013) has included information for

psychology professionals concerning cultural issues and culture syndromes. to

Learning Objective 14.2. All therapists need to make an effort to become aware of cul-

tural differences, syndromes, and possible gender issues. Sociopolitical issues should

also be examined (Sue & Sue, 2016). There is great value in learning characteristics about

different groups, but in doing so, therapists need to remain mindful of not using that

information to overgeneralize and stereotype the people they are working with (Sue &

Sue, 2016).

THINKING CRITICALLY

Which of the forms of psychotherapy discussed so far would probably work best for a client who has

commitment issues in relationships? Why?

The response entered here will be saved to your notes and may be

collected by your instructor if he/she requires it.

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How might the establishment of an effective
therapeutic relationship be impacted when
the client and therapist are from different
ethnic or cultural backgrounds?