Training Title:
Cultural Competence: The Immigrant Experience, Ethnicity and Families

Clock Hours: 1

Objectives:
After listening to and/or reading this interview, participants should be able to • Describe the impact of “White Theory” and the underlying cultural assumptions of our therapeutic models on ourselves as therapists and on clinical practice with minorities. • Explain the feelings of loss and shame that many “non-regular” Americans feel. • Recite the meaning of "cultural homelessness."

Description:
The domain of clinical practice currently faces a crisis of competence and conscience in the treatment of those clients whose ethnicity, race, or class renders them minority groups in American society. Even with the best of intentions and belief in our own objectivity/impartiality, we unwittingly, even unconsciously impose presumptuous interpretations and interventions on clients’ lives. So, we shouldn’t be shocked to learn that ethnic minority groups are the smallest users of mental health services. Furthermore, when these groups do use treatment, they show the highest premature termination rate of any social group. Something is wrong here! Our clinical training programs need to step up to this challenge. Dr. McGoldrick discusses the ethno-centered value presuppositions that inform theories of normal human development and related views of psychopathology.

Approval Bodies