Homogeneity of patient and therapist.

Successful outcome in helping relationships is based on cultural understandings by the therapist. The role of the therapist is to interact with the client in a process of negotiation where the client is encouraged to outline the distressing problem or issue, the therapist seeks to explain the model of therapy to the patient, and the two components are then compared and translated into mutually acceptable definitions and plan of therapy (Kleinman, 1980). Successful outcomes therefore depends on the degree to which there is effective communication between the two parties based on mutually shared cultural meanings of the distress experienced by the patient (Frank & Frank, 1991). In a broader sense developing culturally effective services depend on understanding the patient’s cultural history and traditions as well as the important cultural value systems that support behavior.

In the therapeutic relationship the cultural values of both the patient and therapist matters. Cultural values have an impact on the diagnostic process and on subsequent treatment. It is generally accepted that matching the cultural backgrounds of patients with mental health providers is helpful (Tanaka-Matsumi, 1989). The approach to treatment should make a good fit to the cultural perspective of the client in order to achieve maximum effectiveness (Sue & Sue, 2003). Similarity between client and therapist on relevant variables are important including matching cultural background and ethnicity. While ethnic similarity is less important effectiveness depend greatly on the similarities of cultural perspectives between therapist and client. Research shows that when a client identifies strongly with a culture the patient prefers similarity with the therapist in ethnic backgrounds. In some cases there is also a preference for similarity of gender as clients may think this creates a basis for mutual understanding (Ponterrotto, Alexander, & Hinkston, 1988). However, in a meta-analysis ethnic matching did not appear important compared to similarity of cultural perspectives and values (Shin, Chow, Camacho-Gonsalves, Levy, Allen, & Leff, 2005).

Date: 2015-01-11; view: 793