A Cultural Issue as Related To Humanistic Psychotherapy - Research Paper Example

A Cultural Issue as Related To Humanistic Psychotherapy Introduction To appreciate and comprehend the complexity of what makes us human beings, we have to understand the social, economic and historical forces that have shaped today’s culture as a whole. It is important to acknowledge and recognize that people, for centuries and across societies, have been dealing with distress and problems in their own way, and in their own indigenous way they have responded to them and found a helpful response to their mal de vivre (McLeod, 2003). Culture in societies has always had a pivotal role. However, it is only in the recent times that this role has finally been given the full attention. Specifically, Psychotherapy has embraced this concern, with Humanistic Psychology giving greater importance to this aspect of the individual. This paper discusses the issue of discrimination by the Western world towards the Muslim and inward immigrants in America, framed in humanistic psychotherapy. Terror attacks in London and New York caused a lot of discrimination and alienation of Muslim communities in these countries. This discrimination caused and continues to cause anxiety, fear, and change of individual perception of the society and the world. Immigrants also experience discrimination in the new settlement countries, which affect their well-being. For clarity purposes, the paper will first of all give an overview of the concept of culture and a summary of Humanistic psychotherapy, its origin and development. The concept of Multiculturalism in psychotherapy will also be addressed. Moreover, the essay will discuss the two cultural issues aforementioned and subsequently make a conclusion on the subject matter of the paper. The Culture Concept Culture comprises of anthropology and sociology, and may be defined as patterns of norms derived from traditions that influence personal behaviour. These norms may include values, beliefs, customs, thoughts, and institutions such as religious, racial, ethnic and social groups. The cultural anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1973, p.89) describe it as “historically transmitted pattern of meaning embodied in symbols, a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic form by means of which people communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes towards life”. Cultural beliefs are passed from older generations to younger generations within a given society, and interaction with different cultures often results in behavioural and psychological changes within an individual. Individuals migrating from one society to another have difficulties when adapting to the culture of the new society (Lago, 2006). As culture is not static, interaction with other cultures can result in culture change from time to time. It is the culture change aspect that creates the underlying difficulties that Colin Lago is emphasizing. On the other hand, ethnicity can be defined as the sense of belonging to a social group, while race refers to the physical appearance of individuals as determined by their genetic composition. Humanistic Psychology Humanistic psychology which steamed out from an economical buoyant and stimulating culture of the American dream of the 1950s and 60s is also known as the “third force” in psychology, term coined by Abraham Maslow in 1968. However, its roots can be traced back to the beginning of the century in the writing of Jacob Moreno, a psychiatrist who gave a central, responsible and empowering role to clients. The latter idea was taken further by Carl Ransom Rogers who with his person-centred therapy became possibly the best known approach under the humanistic psychology umbrella. It is American in spirit and in the positive outlook which counteracted the scientific positivism of behaviourism and the Freudian psychoanalysis to constitute the two dominant schools at the time. It was also part of the expression of the Human Potential Movement that had been strongly influenced by Maslow and his self-actualization theory. In order to better understand the development of the humanistic psychology movement, it is interesting to look at it also as a reaction to the Old World. Irving Yalom summarizes the latter point very well when he says, “It is interesting to note that the field of Humanistic Psychology developed alongside the 1960′s counter culture in America with its attendant social phenomena such as the free speech movement, the flower children, the drug culture, the human potentiality and the sexual revolution,” whereas “the underpinnings of the European tradition of existentialist enquiry into the nature of the person was different; the existentialist position focused on human limitations and the tragic dimensions of existence” (Yalom, 1980, p.19). Humanistic psychotherapy stresses deep personal inquiry into the purpose and meaning of life. It incorporates the conditions through which people intimately know themselves in order to fulfil their aspirations. It is influenced by the humanistic and existential theories, which comprises of what leads to the feeling of being fully human; and how that perspective leads to a fulfilled life (Patterson, 1996). This approach to psychology lays emphasis on personal experience, responsibility and reflexivity by allowing people to open up and leap forward towards self-understanding and awareness. With the use of a phenomenological investigation, one becomes aware of oneself as well as of the process itself which place great emphasis on the here and now (Yontef, 1993). Human beings exist on five levels, namely body, feelings, intellect, soul, and spirit. The formers are not static and experience continuous change and development from infancy to adulthood. Existential therapy is also applied in humanistic psychotherapy for helping individuals find constructive ways of dealing with the challenges of everyday life (Clarkson, 2003). Anxiety and distress experienced is explored in terms of personal beliefs and values in relation to the physical, psychological, spiritual and socio-cultural environment. Multiculturalism The Multicultural movements began some sixty years ago, and have since then gained momentum from the observation that “minority-group clients receive unequal and poor mental health services” (Sue, 1977, p. 116). The populations in the world have become more diverse due to globalization and the easy access to computers, television, and air travel to new locales has facilitated the spread of information as well as providing the opportunity to connect and access other cultures in a much easier way. However, this connection for the majority of the time stays at a very superficial level. In counselling, although it is recognized that therapeutic models are mainly rooted on Western assumptions, it is essential to consider the client’s culture in a peripheral context. This is because failure to take into account and understand the client’s culture and assumptions in the therapeutic process may result in unsuccessful outcome. According to Sue (2008, p.XX), “Multicultural counselling in therapy can be defined as both helping role and process that uses modalities and defines goals consistent with the life experiences and cultural values of clients, recognizes client identities to include individual, and culture-specific strategies and roles in the healing process, and balances the importance of individualism and collectivism in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of client and client systems”. Developing culture awareness is pivotal to acquire competence in multicultural counselling. The appreciation of cultural differences, avoiding assumptions and being able to stay open and discuss with the clients issues related to race/ethnicity are some steps towards an understanding of the client’s world. Dwairy (2006, p.X) acknowledge that “When we compare cultures, we need to remember that similarities should not make us blind to diversity, and vice versa. In addition, it is suggested that readers also avoid a third bias, which is generalization within the culture, and avoid looking at cultures from a stereotypic perspective, while denying individual differences and variations within the same culture. The Muslim Issue after 9/11 The Muslim community has been under-pressure since the bombings of September 11 in USA and July 7 in Britain. Mainly young Muslims in these countries have been subjected to intense surveillance and monitoring. Counter-terrorism regulations have labelled the British Muslims a risky, suspect population. The Muslim community in Europe forms the second largest religious group and has a diverse mix of ethnic, religious affiliation, political persuasion, and language. Victimization of Muslims can be attributed to Islamophobia, racist, and xenophobic resentments. The enactment of the Terrorism Act allows security officers to stop and search suspected terrorists without the need of a valid reason. Several assault cases have been reported in Britain, which have been committed by non-Muslims towards Muslims. On the same note, businesses and residential places of Muslims have been vandalized or plastered with anti-Muslim slogans. Muslim children attending mixed race schools are isolated from the overall school community. Extensive discrimination and victimization of Muslims in Britain and America is responsible for several mental illnesses reported. Little research has been done to help mental health practitioners and therapists dealing with Muslim families. Inadequate research leaves professionals unprepared to adequately address Muslim patients faced with discrimination and misunderstanding. Muslims living in America and Britain may seek mental health services to cope with anxiety, stressors, and fear evoked by discrimination. A genuine curiosity on the side of the therapists encourages understanding outside their own experience and allows practitioners to be more engaged in clients’ realities. Many beliefs and practices of Muslims run counter to the American and British culture. Therefore, suspending one’s cultural assumptions is a critical step when engaging Muslims in therapeutic process. Ethnic minorities experience high proportions of stressors and are more reluctant to seek for psychotherapy. Personal qualities of the therapist are closely related to the health change and genuineness of the client. Humanistic psychotherapy requires empathy, genuineness, and warmth on the side of the therapist. This encourages Muslims to open up to them and discuss their own view of the Western society. The rapport or the emotional bridge between the patient and the therapist creates comfortable and unconstrained mutual trust and confidence (Wanda, 1999). In most cases, Muslims live in fear of attack and unconditional searches or arrests, which creates mistrust on Western authorities. Mistrust causes them to avoid sharing personal thoughts and feelings with non-Muslim therapists. This rapport is built through listening, accepting, respecting their culture, being honest, and honouring their presence. Most of the time, Muslims differ with therapists in culture, race, religion, and socioeconomic class. The client must recognize, perceive, and feel respect, empathy, and genuineness from the therapist. This is achieved through effective communication between the parties involved. Muslims in these countries are heavily weighed down by discrimination which is felt in the neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools, and social gatherings. Genuineness facilitates client disclosure, through effective communication of personal feelings and thoughts. The feeling of empathy and trust enables the therapist to enter the client’s world. Muslims see non-Muslim therapists as biased professionals who are against Islamic beliefs. Therefore, therapists should be conscious about their own perceptions, stereotypes, and beliefs regarding Islam. Knowledge about Islamic beliefs and culture enables therapists to be more sensitive to the diverse needs of the Muslim community. The client-therapist relationship should facilitate liberation, personal reflection, and responsibility. Clients find it difficult to take responsibility of their difficulties and experiences encountered. Humanistic psychotherapy decisions have to be felt, sensed, or experienced by the client as part of the healing process. Discrimination towards Muslims affects their behaviour, and therapists have to recognize the causes of these behaviour changes. Making decisions that address the causes of behaviour changes leads to deep self-searching and forces the client to take charge of his or her own distinct plight. Alienation forces some Muslims to suppress their own desires, yearnings, and the ability to express their intentions. Therapeutic interventions create an environment that enables a client to explore inner feelings and reflect on their purpose of life (Clarkson and Pokorny, 1994). Western beliefs and values are at times a threat to those of Muslims. Most American and British psychotherapists are Christians who might fail to appreciate the religious beliefs and values of Muslims. Humanistic psychotherapy views human beings as spiritual beings who have a soul that affects the well-being of the person. Muslims strongly identify with Islamic religious beliefs and therapists should not try to change them, but should rather understand each and every value held by the client.  Most discriminatory acts faced by Muslims are religious based, and they believe that Islam should provide all the answers to Muslim problems. This belief has to be upheld by therapists, and solutions revolving around Islam are more effective. The Immigrants Issue The United States is still experiencing a wave of immigration characterized by new comers from Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Immigrants are faced with several difficulties in the country, especially integration challenges. Integration entails uncomfortable adjustments among immigrants and the host society where they settle. They face natural barriers which deny them full participation in political, economic, and social activities. Inadequate understanding between the new arrivals and the host community, and the change in the traditional family roles greatly challenge immigrant integration. Therapists dealing with immigrants must deal with their reasons for leaving their homeland, experience of migration, and their receptiveness of the new country. Immigrants are faced with a duality of cultures, and they have to function within the norms and expectations of they host country, which often conflicts their cultural values. They plan their move and carry some assets, but the move is usually dangerous or traumatic for most immigrants. American citizens have disparity in perceptions of immigrants, which exacerbates conflicts for newcomers. Most immigrants experience oppression and discrimination at the hands of Americans (Uma and Mayadas, 2005). Immigrants have been denied opportunities due to their skin colour, accent, or their mode of dressing. They usually have limited resources from which they establish their living, a situation worsened by institutionalized discrimination. Cultural conflicts, marginalization, and language barrier are common threats facing immigrants in USA. Immigrants have to overcome these barriers before they perceive themselves as members of the community. In most instances, immigrants feel powerless and deprived of basic privileges they previously enjoyed in their home countries. Economic insecurity and high poverty levels are also experienced by immigrants, which increase their stress and anxiety levels. Some of them engage in substance and drug abuse as they attempt to cope with these challenges. Humanistic psychotherapy creates awareness and provides the client with a chance to learn and change his/her perception about the community. Many patients turn to psychotherapy with the notion that the practitioner will fix their problems. Patients require self-support that enables them face their problems boldly and reduce their anxiety levels (Palmer and Laungani, 1999). Self-disclosure and dialogue enables therapists to fully understand the patient’s thoughts and feelings. These conversations, when handled carefully are evocative and enhance the patient’s feeling of worthiness and efficacy. Through dialogue, the therapist practices inclusion and empathic engagement with the client. The therapist imagines the reality of patient experiences such as isolation, prejudice, and discrimination. Therapists have to understand the circumstances that forced the immigrants to leave their homeland. One requirement of humanistic psychotherapy is a reflection and acceptance of the past experiences. Immigrants leave their countries in search of jobs, escape from disasters such as war, or part of a resettlement scheme. These conditions force immigrants to carry enough or little resources when resettling. Some of the stressing factors are inadequate housing and economic challenges due to limited income. Understanding the reasons for immigration helps the immigrant accept the past events, and therapists integrate these experiences in the intervention process. Immigrants leave much of what is familiar in their countries; things like culture, language, family, social systems, environment, friends, and norms of behaviour. They are required to fit into the American social system and interact with the Americans. The translocation process is traumatizing, and limits in integration makes immigrants feel unwanted. Immigrants require psychological capability to handle these stressing factors of relocation. Ability to adjust offered by psychotherapy gives them control over the development of their lives, and they are able to make adjustments towards positive living. The lack of sufficient social and emotional support causes dissatisfaction in immigrants. Dissatisfaction with the immigration process leads to personal resentment, unhappy feeling and engagement in inappropriate and dysfunctional behaviours (D’Ardenne and Mahtani, 1999). The therapists require a deep understanding of the depth and breadth of the immigration experience. Cultural awareness is the awareness of one’s own experiences related to individual’s culture and contact with other cultures (Leach and Aten, 2010). Interaction between immigrants and American residents causes a cultural conflict that leads to personal prejudices. Integration requires the immigrant to learn about the diverse groups present in America. Psychotherapists are supposed to help immigrants critically evaluate the unique strengths and experiences of the oppression they face. Conclusion Although social transformation was not the primary focus, a large percentage of humanistic psychologists investigate social, cultural, and gender issues. The psychology of human beings is consistent with their culture, and psychotherapy must involve cultural aspects while trying to resolve psychological problems. An individual upholds values and beliefs learnt from the cultural practices, which help shape the personality of a human being. The behaviour of an individual is influenced by culture, and addressing cultural issues in psychotherapy can act as a breakthrough. Psychotherapists require different set of skills and emphasis for effective counselling of various cultural groups. People from different cultures experience discrimination and prejudice; therefore, cultural backgrounds are incorporated in psychotherapy. Culture defines the role of its members in the community and family, and their hierarchical relationships. Individuals learn self-control, cordiality, dignity, and respect for community from their cultural backgrounds. Learning these values is essential for developing oneself, and psychotherapy cannot rule out culture from its intervention strategies (Patterson, 2000). Cultural sensitive therapist noticed that the concept of empathy which is one sufficient and essential of Rogers’ core conditions give the therapist an understanding of the clients from their cultural prospective; “the counsellor makes a maximum effort to get within and live the attitudes expressed instead of observing them, diagnosing them’ more over ‘the accuracy of the therapist’s emphatic understanding has often been emphasized, but more important is the therapist’s interest in appreciating the world of the client and offering such understanding with the wiliness to be corrected” (Rasking and Rogers, 1995, p.142). Cultural issues such as religion and immigration affect humanistic psychotherapy. Muslims in America and Britain experience a lot of discrimination since the New York and London bombings. Citizens in these countries associate Islam with terrorism, and Muslims have been treated with suspicion and are alienated from the general population. Immigrants also face several challenges in new countries such as America due to environmental, socioeconomic, language, and cultural differences. Discrimination and prejudice is also common to immigrants, which increases their stressors. Humanistic psychotherapy helps individuals in these societies change their perceptions and work towards positive living. Thanks to more and more therapists who are working towards a kind of therapy that is cultural sensitive, some positive signs can already be seen. However, many of the associations and organizations that are offering counselling services to minority groups are closely bounded to the political and economic situations of the country. 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