How cultural identities impact on the therapeutic setting

Understanding cultural dynamics is crucial in today's increasingly globalized world. As people from diverse backgrounds interact more frequently, comprehending how cultural identities are formed, perceived, and transformed becomes essential for fostering mutual respect and effective communication.

In this workshop, we will discuss how cultural identities are formed and transformed through interactions.

Course content

We will explore the key concepts integral to understanding cultural dynamics including the cultural self, cultural transference, and the unconscious ranking of cultures will illuminate the often subtle biases that shape intercultural relationships. These concepts will serve as a foundation for examining how individuals perceive and internalize their own cultural identities and how these identities are transferred and transformed through interactions with others.

​We will discuss how migration can alter an individual's cultural self and, conversely, how one's cultural self can affect their migration experience. We will look at risk factors for mental health during migration (Mazzetti, 2008) to understand how different types of migration impact mental health.

Using an intersectional analysis we will further enrich our perspective, highlighting the intricate interplay between race, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural factors.

Having a comprehensive understanding equips us as individuals and communities to navigate cultural complexities with empathy and awareness, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society.

For more information see Northside Training.