Culturally Sensitive Counselling in OL8
J Rafiq
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Oldham OL8
Throughout life we all suffer from personal, emotional and psychological issues. Usually we overcome these but sometimes we can get stuck, tangled up and become negatively affected. If you are finding yourself experiencing anxiety or depression, or struggling with any other issues, then know that help is always available. Whatever it is, I am here to listen attentively, with empathy, without any judgement, and in complete confidence. There are multiple approaches to counselling, but rather than push a particular one (that may not be suitable for you) I prefer we work together to decide which is the best way forward for you.
Throughout life we all suffer from personal, emotional and psychological issues. Usually we overcome these but sometimes we can get stuck, tangled up and become negatively affected. If you are finding yourself experiencing anxiety or depression, or struggling with any other issues, then know that help is always available. Whatever it is, I am here to listen attentively, with empathy, without any judgement, and in complete confidence. There are multiple approaches to counselling, but rather than push a particular one (that may not be suitable for you) I prefer we work together to decide which is the best way forward for you.
Dr Shoaib Psychology Practice Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Oldham OL8
I'm Dr Sohbia Shoaib a highly skilled Chartered Psychologist with over 20 years working experience in mental health. In the NHS, forensic and private sector. I am trained in a range of interventions including Schema Therapy, EMDR, DBT and CBT. I have expertise in completing a full range of assessments and interventions for clients who present from mild to severe/ complex mental health problems and psychological presentations e.g., trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, stress, burnout, interpersonal difficulties and emotional dysregulation, personality disorder, substance misuse, bipolar, psychosis.
I'm Dr Sohbia Shoaib a highly skilled Chartered Psychologist with over 20 years working experience in mental health. In the NHS, forensic and private sector. I am trained in a range of interventions including Schema Therapy, EMDR, DBT and CBT. I have expertise in completing a full range of assessments and interventions for clients who present from mild to severe/ complex mental health problems and psychological presentations e.g., trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, stress, burnout, interpersonal difficulties and emotional dysregulation, personality disorder, substance misuse, bipolar, psychosis.
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Culturally Sensitive Counsellors
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.