Conflicts between diverse populations generally are culturally based, hence the
need for Cultural Therapy. Because culture is more than superficial most adherents
are not fully aware of their actions or motivations. Culture supports and defines
identity - race, philosophy, psychology, etc - therefore it is to culture we must
go to achieve lasting results.
Cultural Therapy, a holistic therapy, takes into account the total
person in the endeavor to treat symptoms, identify causes, and empower individuals or
groups with the capacity to thrive in environments of diversity.
Cultural Therapy, unlike other treatment practices, view and treat the
individual as an extension of groups with the intent of achieving and sustaining both
individual and group health.
Cultural Therapy treats as a whole the total
make up a persons (and group) identity - politics, psychology, culture, history (chronology),
geography, and philosophy. Each component is examined with the 'group' as a reference
to determine where the conflict (imbalance, disorder) is; from there we proceed to treat
the condition through various therapies and modalities.
Cultural Therapy is the practice of guiding the patient to awareness
(self/group consciousness), practice (embrace of group) and empowerment (independence and self
reliance of group).
Cultural Therapy methodology and treatments include
cultural tools along with lectures, classes, and activities to achieve cultural competency
in environments of diversity.