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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Asya on January 13, 2004, at 15:57:36
First of all, thanks so much to people who responded to my previous post -- I unfortunately don't have the guts to tell my T about my being obsessed, but I think I can intellectualize it enough that it's ok.
My new thought is about culture and Ts. I am Iranian and have some issues that I am working thru where I am truly caught in the middle. My T is not Middle Eastern or anything, in the beginning we talked about this and she said she didn't think it would be a prob-- but now I am confused about whether it is a prob or not. I mean, on the one hand, it's great because her philosophy is trying to teach me to both be attached to the culture and still make my own decisions, on the other hand, I don't want to be brainwashed -- I dunno, I am confused, please help!
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 13, 2004, at 16:09:21
In reply to More stuff to say as a Newbie, posted by Asya on January 13, 2004, at 15:57:36
Asya, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think it is important that you and your T come from the same culture. If your T has not experienced your culture, how will he truly understand the problems which may or may not be a result of that culture.? My therapist idolizes a psychoanalyst named Karen Horney who is labled as a neo-freudian. She contests that much of our "neurosis" (they don't use that word anymore) is as much of a result of our CULTURE as it is from genetics. I agree with her.
Let's have an example: Say there was a young African-American male whose therapist was an elderly caucasian woman. Now I know there are exceptions to every rule, but I would venture to say that the African Amercian patient may receive more help and empathy from an African American male therapist. Please, I don't want anyone to read in any racism here at all. I just think that culturally, having your T be of the same background as you may lend more insight to your situation than if they weren't.
Posted by tabitha on January 13, 2004, at 18:29:47
In reply to Re: More stuff to say as a Newbie, posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 13, 2004, at 16:09:21
I run into culture clash issues with my therapist too. She's very Southern Californian, and I'm from Midwestern Bible Belt. I get frustrated too when I think she's being too judgemental toward my culture of upbringing. She seems to judge things I grew up with as sick and unhealthy, and I want to see it as just a different value system, with its own pros and cons. I get into some similar issues in my therapy group. Four of the six are native Californian and two are Midwestern. At times I'll air some of the beliefs I grew up with and they'll look at me like I'm a space alien.
Asya, I don't know about finding another therapist-- but if you stay with this one I'd just recommend that you tell her about it when you're noticing culture clash issues in your therapy. She will probably have to be educated some.
Posted by gardenergirl on January 13, 2004, at 20:01:46
In reply to Re: More stuff to say as a Newbie, posted by tabitha on January 13, 2004, at 18:29:47
Asya,
Culture is an important part of our lives and therefore, of therapy. T's are supposed to seek consultation or at least research other cultures when they have a client from a culture different from their own. It may be helpful for you to share with her your own beliefs, values, and upbringing in order to help her understand how you have been shaped by your culture. Because even if you research a culture, or even if you are from the same culture, each individual's experience and belief system is their own. The best thing the T can do is not to make assumptions, but to let you tell her about it.Hopefully this will work out for you, or if not, you can find someone with whom it will work. But don't be afraid to tell her your concerns about being brainwashed. Your concern is a source of distress, so it's important therapeutic material.
Take care,
g
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