Confronting Self, Confronting Self, Confronting HateConfronting Hate

Practices of Healing:

Using Multicultural Psychotherapy

to Confront Symbols of Hate

October 11, 2008

Brenda Chiu, Sally Chung,

Jennifer Costillo, Jason Edgar,

Dr. Joy Bustrum

Azusa Pacific University

IntroductionIntroduction“Willingly or unwillingly, the world has

become the fabled ‘global village’ (McLuhan, 1968, 1989), and the global village is multicultural, multinational, and multiethnic. The scale, complexity, and impact of these events and forces constitute a formidable challenge for psychology as a science and profession.”

(Marsella, A. J., 1998)

A Collaborative ProcessA Collaborative Process

“Change involves awareness of biases, and the ability for

psychotherapists to promote knowledge, attitudes, and skills

important to the cultures of those with whom they [we] work.”

(Vasquez, 2007)

Goals of presentationGoals of presentationGeneration of awarenessGeneration of questionsProposal of a working model to facilitate

this awareness and these questionsThis presentation is merely a beginning

point from which to step into this awareness and to engage with these questions

VulnerabilityVulnerability

“As counselors, it is critical that we challenge ourselves to dialogue honestly and openly about racism, despite our fears and anxieties related to this topic.”

(Constantine, 1999)

A Four Step, Non-Linear A Four Step, Non-Linear Process & Lifelong Process & Lifelong CommitmentCommitmentRecognition

Process

Comprehension

Implementation

The Use of NarrativeThe Use of NarrativePolkinghorne states that “…We achieve our

personal identities and self-concept through the use of the narrative configuration, and make our existence into a whole by understanding it as an expression of a single unfolding and developing story…Self, then, is not a static thing or a substance, but the configuring of personal events into an historical unity which includes not only what one has been but also anticipations of what one will be.”

(Yi & Shorter-Gooden, 1999)

Phase I: RecognitionPhase I: RecognitionA writing exercise that includes:

◦Cultural Identity◦Messages received during childhood◦Inherited and/or established

prejudices◦Traumatic incidents◦How this history influences you today

both personally and professionally

SallySally

Phase II: ProcessPhase II: ProcessSharing stories within a trustworthy

group of colleagues

◦Reconciling prejudices & experiences

◦Validation

◦Acceptance

Phase II: ProcessPhase II: ProcessGroup Set-Up

◦Day or weekend retreat is ideal◦Allow plenty of time

20 – 30 minutes per person sharing 10 – 15 minutes for group feedback & processing

◦Select a moderator Does not have to be same person each meeting

◦Establish Group Rules Much like you would establish group therapy Review the importance of confidentiality Configure the group in a circle or comfortable, open

placement

Phase II: ProcessPhase II: ProcessRisks involved

◦Thoughts and feelings of shame

◦Self-hatred

◦Fear

◦Pain

◦Group reaction & response

“It was common for greater awareness to be accompanied by strong emotions and even relational upheavals.”

(McDowell, 2004)

Phase II: ProcessPhase II: ProcessRewards

◦Holistic Healing◦Reconciliation◦Acceptance◦Learning about other cultures by way of

colleagues’ stories◦Greater understanding of self and others◦Increased cultural competence

Phase III: Phase III: ComprehensionComprehensionIntegrating one’s experiences with

one’s core sense of self

Acceptance of self and others

Acknowledgement of the effects of your story on self and others

Jennifer Jennifer

Phase IV: Phase IV: ImplementationImplementation Commitment to cyclical process Continual evaluation and processing of one’s experiences

◦ May involve returning to previous stages and re-processing events and feelings

Bringing revelations and self-awareness into the therapeutic sphere

◦ Supervision

◦ Case conceptualization

◦ Treatment

◦ Recognition of countertransference

◦ Personal limitation

◦ Personal strengths

“Culture is one of the most influential determinants of identity (Waldegrave, 1998), and therapists who do not address cultural meaning in their clients [or themselves] may be engaging in oppressive practices rather than therapeutic ones.”

(Thomas, A. J. & Schwarzbaum, S., 2006)

Brenda & JasonBrenda & Jason

Group ProcessGroup ProcessAny personal reactions?Any personal feelings?What do you think that Jason was feeling

when Brenda shared?What about Brenda when Jason was sharing?How did their stories resonate with your story?How do you think that you would have reacted

if you were in Jason or Brenda’s place?Any general thoughts or feelings about the

process as a whole?