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Therapists' perceptions of multicultural assessment and therapy with immigrant families
Author(s) -
BenDavid Amith
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6427.1996.tb00032.x
Subject(s) - immigration , multiculturalism , perception , intervention (counseling) , psychology , cultural sensitivity , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , social psychology , political science , psychiatry , pedagogy , neuroscience , law
This paper explores therapists’perceptions of their assessment and treatment of new immigrant families from two very distinct populations: the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. Some 145 professionals, approximately 70 per cent of those who treat new immigrants in the northern part of Israel, were questioned about various aspects of their assessment and treatment process. The differences between therapists and client families regarding the client's similarity to or difference from the majority culture are discussed. Of particular concern is whether therapists favour personal rather than contextual formulations of client problems. The results indicate that the wider the gap between the cultural background of the therapist and the immigrant families, the more sensitive and contextual the therapist's assessment and intervention choices.