Chapter 4
Cultural Sensitivity in
Crisis Intervention
Stages of Becoming a Multiculturally
Sensitive Therapist
1.
2.
3.
4.
Unawareness of cultural issues. Does not take into
consideration an individual’s cultural, ethnic, & religious
background as related to the problem.
Heightened awareness of cultural issues but feels
unprepared to utilize this knowledge with a client.
The burden of considering culture. Able to utilize
knowledge of cultural diversity but feels overwhelmed
with the task and how to implement. Perceive all
problems as relating to culture.
Toward cultural sensitivity. Able to be sensitive to
cultural diversity yet also able to view problems as
universal issues as well.
Issues Faced by Three
Ethnic Groups
Mexican-Americans:
•
•
•
•
Enmeshed family structure
Language Barriers
Different Levels of Acculturation
Strong Catholic Religion Focus
African-Americans:
•
•
•
•
History of racism dating back to slavery
Group with the most salient differences from mainstream group
Distrust of Mainstream Institutions
Clergy as traditional support system when in crisis
Asian-Americans:
•
•
•
Shame and Obligation
Rigid family roles and structures
Counseling should be problem focused and formal
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
• Physical or mental impairment that substantially
prevents or restricts the ordinary course of human
development and accomplishments.
• Often viewed as weak, dependent, abnormal and
inferior.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) challenges
discrimination against disabled
SUBGROUPS WITHIN THE
DISABLED POPULATION
• Disabled elderly:intervention must be
holistic. Alzheimer’s dementia are stressful
for entire family
• About half of the elderly suffer from at least
one severe disability
• Mentally disabled people
• Also protected by the ADA
• Include disorders such as major depression,
bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic
disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder,
anxiety disorders, and PTSD.
• Developmentally disabled people
• Mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy,
autism
• Rights are a big issue
• Living to be elderly now
• Need extensive and complex treatments
INTERVENTIONS
• Crises occur because helpers often do not know
what to do
• Need support systems
• Case management
• Collaboration
• Must change societal reactions from fear,
repulsion, anxiety, embarrassment and avoidance
to meaningful relationships
GAYS, LESBIANS BISEXUALS
AND TRANSGENDERS (GLBT’S)
• Gay: typically refers to male homosexuals
• Lesbians: female homosexuals
• Bisexuals: male or females who are attracted to
same sex and opposite sex partners
• Transgenders: People who feel that they were born
the wrong gender and change from male to female
or female to male
Issues
• Suicide
• Fear of being discovered
• Family crises because expectations won’t be
met
• Coming out
• Sex-change surgery