Working with cultural diversity

Question 1

How is the clinical interview effected by cultuary diversity?

Answer 1

Clinical interview can be particularly vulnerable to cultural diversity:

• Misunderstandings increase
• Not only an issue inter culturally - ethnic, economic, age, sexual orientation and socioeconomic backgrounds also play a part.
• PEDERSEN (think Diana) provided TEN common assumptions that can be overlooked:
• emphasis on individualism and independence
• neglect of support systems
• linear thinking
• neglect of history
• focus on changing individuals rather than systems

Question 2

How do we get around the challenges that cultural diversity can pose?

Answer 2

Be a “culturally sensitive professional” by maintaining:
- awareness of one’s own assumptions and biases
an understanding of the world view of clients
- an ability to develop culturally appropriate intervention techniques.