E 2. Implications of Collaboration between Traditional Healing and Counselling When Working with Immigrants
Level: Intermediate
Within the framework of healing practices, it is commonly noted that the clients’ perception of illnesses and treatment expectations impact their treatment process. Most often, some immigrant clients are reluctant to pursue treatments that are based exclusively on western models because they find them ‘artificial’ and ‘foreign’ within their own socio-political and religio-cultural context. In most communities, there is interconnectedness between culture, religion, community and family in regards to finding support in times of psychological distress. Literature review also shows that most immigrants feel more comfortable in seeking support through friends and family members and by practising traditional healing practices. Moreover, they have a strong belief on these traditional approaches and find them more convenient, reliable and accessible without any fear of being stigmatized or labelled with mental health ‘diagnosis.’
In this presentation, case studies will be discussed where clients were offered space to use their religious/traditional healing practices in combination with western model. These clients expressed interest to include their religious practices as part of the already outlined therapeutic plan (i.e. based on western model). As the result of opening door to sharing, listening, respecting and valuing their traditional religious practices, it led to establishing strong therapeutic alliance and great rapport to move ‘together’ further in supporting clients. The combination of traditional and western approaches bestowed upon them reassurance, trust and comfort to consider more ‘closeness’ with the support and also offered me ‘insight’ as a helper to work more closely with my clients. Group work and lots of fun exercises are included in the presentation.
Saadia Akram-Pall has two Master degrees and Post Master’s specialization in Clinical Psychology. She is working as Director of Programming at the Rexdale Women’s Centre. She is also a Clinical Member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists. She has participated in various research projects and her articles are also published in professional journals. Saadia has worked at various levels of community services including counsellor, facilitator and program co-ordinator to work with ethno-specific communities. She has been involved in educational programs for more than 15 years. Saadia has organized various staff development trainings and public education forums.
