Psychology Term Paper

By Author: Sherry Roberts
Total Articles: 120
Comment this article

As a therapist, it is important to be culturally sensitive since the people dealing with are likely to come from diverse cultural backgrounds. The ability to be culturally sensitive involves increasing knowledge and understanding of the cultural differences and acknowledging the cultural assumptions and biases. Also, one should be willing to change the thoughts and character when addressing the biases. I think it’s important to be culturally sensitive since it expands the treatment opportunities and ensures treatment for all.
Culture influences the health beliefs, practices, behaviors, and the outcome of the medical treatments (Sperry, 2012).
First, I should entertain different forms of cultural hypotheses and then test them from multiple sources. The strategy leads to increased understanding of the role of culture to the patient. Next, I ought to strive towards conducting an assessment with respect to the patient understanding of the treatment process. Thus, I need to learn more about their culture and the meaning of certain things to them. For the assessment, it becomes difficult if the language used varies. Therefore, I should ensure that I speak the patient’s language or use an interpreter if possible. Unless there is open communication between us, it is challenging to understand the needs of the patient.
Another thing is being honest and transparent about everything done to the patient. If he/she gets a clear understanding of the engagement with me, they build trust thereby are more willing to share about their problems. The other step is asking the right questions ad seeking for answers from the patient. Sometimes, therapists ignore the information provided by the patient due to their culture. It creates a barrier on the level of interaction.
The other step is having knowledge on the accurate health assessment and taking into consideration the background and culture of the patient (Lynam, 2002). I should also be able to convey the assessment to the patient by recognizing the culture-based beliefs about health. My treatment plan should also respect the cultural beliefs without compromising on the quality of healthcare expected.
Another step to take is to incorporate the conventional models of health and healthcare delivery from different cultures into the accepted medical framework. I should also find different resources about the target culture and have the willingness to learn its basics. Another important issue is forming partnerships with the existing local therapists who understand the common health needs of the people (Griffiths & Daly, 2008).
In the diagnosis, it’s important to show the acceptance and respect of the cultural differences. The language of communicating with the patient should be more of giving relevant information and services other than being inquisitive.
I think that the treatment method would not be efficient if I do seek an understanding of how the patient’s culture handles medication. I should also assess the level of satisfaction of the patient through a set of questions throughout the treatment process. It helps to increase my understanding of the culture.

References
Clinical Practice with People of Color: A Guide to Becoming Culturally Competent. (2007) Adolescence, 42(167), 620.
Griffiths, R., & Daly, J. (2008) Towards a Culturally Competent Nurse Workforce: Contemporary Nurse: A Journal For The Australian Nursing Profession, 28(1/2), 98-100.
Lynam, M. J. (2002). Towards the goal of providing culturally sensitive care: principles upon which to build nursing curricula. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 17(2), 149-157. doi:10.1111/1365-2648.ep8530322
Sperry, L. (2012). Becoming Culturally Competent is a Process, Not an Event. Seminary Journal, 18(2), 42-47.

Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at Melda Research in custom writing services services. If you need a similar paper you can place your order for a custom research paper from writing services online services.