Psychotherapy Contributions to
Multicultural Counseling
Psychotherapy Contributions to Multicultural Counseling
Psychoanalytic therapy
Its focus on family dynamics is appropriate for working with many
cultural groups. The therapist’s formality appeals to clients who
expect professional distance. Notion of ego defense is helpful in
understanding inner dynamics and dealing with environmental
stresses.
Adlerian therapy
Its focus on social interest, helping others, collectivism, pursuing
meaning in life, importance of family, goal orientation, and
belonging is congruent with the values of many cultures. Focus on
person-in-the-environment allows for cultural factors to be
explored.
Existential therapy
Focus is on understanding client’s phenomenological world,
including cultural background. This approach leads to
empowerment in an oppressive society. Existential therapy can
help clients examine their options for change within the context of
their cultural realities. The existential approach is particularly
suited to counseling diverse clients because of the philosophical
foundation that emphasizes the human condition
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Psychotherapy Multicultural Counseling Contributions
Psychotherapy Multicultural Counseling Contributions
Psychoanalytic therapy
Its focus on family dynamics is appropriate for working with many cultural groups. The therapist’s formality appeals to clients who expect professional distance. Notion of ego defense is helpful in understanding inner dynamics and dealing with environmental stresses.
Adlerian therapy
Its focus on social interest, helping others, collectivism, pursuing meaning in life, importance of family, goal orientation, and belonging is congruent with the values of many cultures. Focus on person-in-the-environment allows for cultural factors to be explored.
Existential therapy
Focus is on understanding client’s phenomenological world, including cultural background. This approach leads to empowerment in an oppressive society. Existential therapy can help clients examine their options for change within the context of their
