Module 2 Overview

Developing Cultural Awareness

This module introduces participants to the theory and systems of the practice and process of culturally relevant psychotherapy in the context of mental health service delivery. The major contention of the presenter is that psychological healing paradigms for diverse populations must be culturally relevant in order to have efficacy. This workshop provides a cursory look into mental health service delivery for racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse populations.

Course Rationale

Understanding culture requires one to have a clear understanding of the elements of the worldview that comprise culture. These elements include ontology, epistemology, axiology, and cosmology. It is from these elements that one formulates their best thinking about self and others. Understanding the core beliefs that are associated with these elements positions one to better see the dynamics of culture possessed by others. This module explores the dynamics of culture and its manifestations. It is understood that social, economic, and political dynamics within a sociocultural context can negatively or positively impact human mental and/or psychological wellness.  These same dynamics influence human behavior in constructive and destructive ways.  When socially, communally, and personally destructive behaviors manifest, mental health professionals are paramount in the treatment (healing) of such behaviors.  Mental health professionals facilitate healing through 1) diagnosing the behavior, 2) exploring the etiology (cause) of the behavior, and 3) prescribing treatment (healing) for the behavior. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this session, participants will:

1. Understand what culture is and is not.
2. Recognize the elements of culture and their manifestations.
3. Comprehend how worldview shapes behavior.
4. Realize the intercultural differences that exist between members of the same cultural/ethnic group.
5. Be aware of their own culturally shaped values, beliefs, perceptions, and biases.

Participant Objectives

The objectives of this course are:

1. To provide a framework for establishing an operational definition of culturally competent service delivery,
2. To discuss the history and development of culturally competent psychotherapy,
3. To provide participants with a knowledge base of psychosocial factors that influence mental wellness,
4. To provide participants with a base of knowledge in Traditional (Western) Psychotherapy worldview perspectives that inform therapeutic interventions and processes,
5. To increase students’ practical knowledge about the application of culturally responsive Psychotherapy with diverse populations.