Tag: Diversity

Book: Contemporary Psychotherapies for a Diverse World

Published on by Andrew MarshallLeave a comment

Book Title:

Contemporary Psychotherapies for a Diverse World.

Author(s): Jon Frew and Michael D. Spiegler.

Year: 2012.

Edition: First (1ed).

Publisher: Routledge.

Type(s): Hardcover.

Synopsis:

This unique text is the first to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of the major theories of psychotherapy and, at the same time, illustrate how these approaches are dealing with the ever-increasing diversity of today’s clients. Frew and Spiegler have assembled the leading contemporary authorities on each theory to offer an insider’s perspective that includes exposure to the style and language used by adherents of the approach, which is not available in any other text. The history of each approach and the latest, cutting-edge theory and practice are integrated with an emphasis on an awareness of the needs of diverse non-majority clients, creating a comprehensive, practical, and invaluable text for any counselling theories course.

The major psychotherapeutic approaches are presented in roughly the chronological order in which they were developed, and each chapter follows the same basic format to ensure consistency throughout the text. Along with traditional theories, there are chapters on reality therapy, feminist therapy, and narrative therapy, and the chapter on ethics includes multicultural and feminist perspectives. Each chapter includes:

  • The origin and evolution of the theory.
  • Theoretical foundations and how the theory is manifested in practice.
  • An evaluation of the evidence for the theory’s success, limitations, blind spots, and challenges.
  • “The Author’s Journey,” in which authors describe what lead them to adopt their approach and how their own practice has evolved over time.
  • Multicultural competencies and their importance in the context of the theory.

Resources are available online for instructors to supplement the material in the text and include a test bank and PowerPoint lecture slides.

Working with Diversity

Published on by Andrew MarshallLeave a comment

People trained in mental health first aid are not expected to have specialist knowledge of different groups’ attitudes and beliefs about mental health.

The most important thing is to avoid making assumptions about the person to whom you are offering support.

For instance, do not assume that the person shares the same attitudes as you hold.

When suggesting that a person seeks further help, it is best to ask who they would feel most comfortable approaching rather than immediately suggesting their general practitioner (GP).

Similarly, it is best to use simple language like ‘low mood’ or ‘sadness’ rather than using terms like depression when talking about a person’s mood or feelings.

These guidelines hold true in any situation. It is always better to avoid making assumptions about another person and to check out that person’s feelings and preferences before offering advice and support.

Society, Culture & Diversity

Published on by Andrew MarshallLeave a comment

Current thinking on mental health suggests that it is best to consider the whole person – rather than try to separate mental health from other areas of life. Each of us is a complex blend of physical, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual factors.

The way we cope with life and respond to life events is affected by our experiences, and individual characteristics such as personality. This means that there is no such thing as equality where mental health is concerned. Some people are disadvantaged by emotional or social deprivation. Others are disadvantaged by the fact that they are perceived as being different, and they experience discrimination as a result. Some people appear to have a greater risk of developing mental health problems or a serious mental illness for no obvious reason.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that social and economic deprivation makes a person more susceptible to all kinds of ill health, including mental ill health.

Mental health problems are more common in socially disadvantaged populations and in areas of deprivation. They are associated with unemployment, low education levels, low income, and a poor standard of living. This same underprivileged population experiences the highest prevalence of anxiety and depression.

There is strong evidence of a connection between poverty, unemployment, social isolation, and schizophrenia. Deprivation is also associated with a number of negative experiences, such as having symptoms for longer, experiencing more frequent episodes of illness, having a poorer quality of care, and having a lower chance of recovery.

In the United Kingdom (UK), we need to pay proper attention to positive mental health and well-being. We can do this by promoting positive mental health, providing support so that the quality of life is improved, acting against social exclusion, and promoting the rights of people by addressing inequalities in mental health.

Being perceived as different to the majority of people around you has an impact on mental health. This means that people with physical disabilities, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people, people with learning difficulties and people from black and minority ethnic groups are all more likely to experience mental health problems.

There is substantial literature regarding the impact of health of all forms of discrimination, whether on the grounds of race and ethnicity, age, gender, religion or sexual orientation. It adversely impacts mental health, affecting a person’s dignity and self-esteem. It can lead to a sense of alienation, isolation, fear, and intimidation. It can make it difficult for individuals to feel socially included and to integrate into society.

Difference is a problem not because of the perceived difference itself, but because of the attitude of the majority of the population towards people who appear different. We live in a culture that encourages similarity. We notice when people dress differently, live differently, or act differently. Western culture has been slow to recognise how badly people are affected by being treated less favourably because of perceived difference.

The law now protects certain people and groups from discrimination and disadvantage. However, in order to foster positive mental health in society, we all need to think about our attitudes and find ways to treat one another with equal respect and care.

Mental health first aid training can make an enormous difference to the mental health of society because it models good practice, by offering kindness and support to people in mental distress – regardless of their ethnic heritage, sexuality, religion, economic status, health, ability, age, or gender.