Providing culturally sensitive trauma counselling

CrossCurrents

Don't demand talk: We're a talk show culture, and many think it's always therapeutic to recount painful experiences. But trauma experts warn: Forcing survivors to relive still-vivid memories may worsen trauma.

Don't assume a common experience: "For clients who are willing to talk, a good question to ask is: What was the worst part for you?" says Dr. Lisa Andermann, a psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Hopsital in Toronto. "The answer could be totally different for everyone."

Power of prayer: Tamil culture is deeply religious, says Dr. Joseph Chandrakanthan, president of Vasantham, a Tamil wellness centre in Toronto. Tamils won't flock voluntarily to psychiatrists, but they will seek out culturally relevant centres of meaning, such as churches. Prayer and meditation are essential, time-honoured components of healing. Encourage clients to use such resources.

Group counselling preferred: "One-on-one counselling is a Western pattern that isn't useful in the Tamil community," says Chandrakanthan. Encouraging clients to come in with in-laws may yield better results.

Silence please: "Tamils express emotion well and there may be emotional outbursts," says Chandrakanthan. "But allow time for meaningful periods of silence." Silence is considered a way of creating spiritual solitude. Be comfortable with such moments within a session.

 

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