The clinician's cultural countertransference: The psychodynamics of culturally competent practice

Journal/Book: Clin Soc Work J. 1998; 26: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013-1578. Human Sci Press Inc. 253-270.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to define the presence of the clinician's cultural countertransference in the cross-cultural therapeutic dyad, and describe its impact on the delivery of culturally competent services. The recognition of the contributing role of the therapist's own subjectivity in psychodynamically oriented practice cannot be more vital than in the treatment of patients whose culture, race, or class markedly differ from that of the therapist. The cultural countertransference is viewed as a matrix of intersecting cognitive and affect-laden beliefs/experiences that exist within the therapist at varying levels of consciousness. Within this matrix lie: the clinician's American life value system; theoretical beliefs and practice orientation; subjective biases about ethnic groups; and subjective biases about their own ethnicity. The author proposes that these countertransference attitudes are often: disavowed by the clinician; exert a powerful influence on the course of treatment; and though unspoken, are frequently perceived by the client.

Note: Article Foster RMP, NYU, Ehrenkranz Sch Social Work, 1 Washington Sq N, New York,NY 10003 USA

Keyword(s): cultural countertransference; culturally competent practice; PSYCHOTHERAPY; PSYCHOLOGIES; THERAPISTS

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