Challenging core cultural beliefs and maintaining the therapeutic alliance: A qualitative study

Yon, Katherine, Malik, Rabia, Mandin, Philippe and Midgley, Nick (2017) Challenging core cultural beliefs and maintaining the therapeutic alliance: A qualitative study. Journal of Family Therapy . ISSN 0163-4445 (Print); 1467-6427 (Electronic)

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Abstract

Engaging black and minority-ethnic (BME) individuals in therapy and maintaining a positive therapeutic alliance can be a complex task, especially when challenging a family's core belief system. This study examines how therapists working within a specialist cultural service in London, UK were able to question a family's core cultural belief system whilst building and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance. Video-assisted semi-structured interviews were carried out with two family members and their two therapists, and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that core beliefs can be effectively challenged within the context of a strong therapeutic alliance if topics are approached in a sensitive and respectful manner, by trusted therapists who have a degree of knowledge and awareness of their own cultural positioning, as well as an understanding of their clients’ culture. We propose that engaging with culture in this way can strengthen alliance and facilitate positive change.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: First published online: 27 February 2017
Uncontrolled Keywords: Culture, Therapeutic Alliance, Family Belief, Qualitative Research, Black and Minority-Ethnic Client Groups
Subjects: Race and Culture > Culture and Psychotherapy
Department/People: Adult and Forensic Services
Research
URI: https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/1528

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