Introduction
Culture has always been a critical topic for discussions in various settings. This is mostly because culture and cultural differences that all the people have make an important influence on the way individuals communicate, create perceptions, form relationships with others, and make conclusions in various situations and challenges. Therefore, the psychotherapeutic environment and, specifically, family therapy, is not an exception when talking about the impact of cultural diversity. Professionals have to understand that specific cultural characteristic that they and their patients have will have a huge influence on the process of relationship creation, procedures of treatment, and even its results. Therefore, by using academic sources and applying the information to the individual culture, the following paper will address the problem of dealing with cultural diversity issues while working in the sphere of family therapy.
Culture and Cultural Diversity
Before discussing cultural issues in family therapy and applying the influence of diversity to this context, it seems essential to analyze the problem of cultural diversity in general since this information will be beneficial for future analysis. As mentioned by Mezzich et al. (2009), culture overall “can be defined as a set of meanings, behavioral norms, values, and practices used by members of a particular society, as they construct their unique view of the world” (p. 384). Thus, it can be stated that culture informs individuals about the principles of life, health, and well-being and determines what they see as good or bad. Based on this information, it is crucial to make culture an important subject in the field of psychology and family therapy since it can help specialists to understand the needs and opinions of their patients better and, consequently, decide on the most appropriate interventions.
Nowadays and in the future coming years, professionals in the field of psychology will have to deal with the issue of cultural diversity more and more. As noted by La Roche and Maxie (2003), the population of the United States grows continually which leads to it becoming more culturally diverse and rich. For this reason, psychologists and counselors will likely have to work with culturally diverse patients and families (La Riche & Maxie, 2003). This is one of the most critical reasons why professionals have to educate themselves and come up with solutions that will manage the problems of cultural differences before they arise. Being prepared for the various complications during counseling, psychological treatment, interventions, and family therapy will help both the psychologists to feel more confident and professional and patients to receive respectful treatment and effective recommendations.
Addressing the Cultural Diversity
The most obvious and the first step towards dealing with the questions of cultural diversity in family therapy is acquiring new knowledge. Without the necessary amount of information and skills that can be used during practice, it is impossible to deliver effective interventions and establish strong trustful relationships with patients from different cultures. For instance, Gehart (2013), suggests improving the competency of professionals who work in different spheres of psychology, such as family therapy, psychiatry, chemical dependency counseling, and psychology. These competencies can help individuals to understand what they must know and do to be professional and competent enough to make psychological interventions and give recommendations to individuals. In general, knowledge is the main resource for any specialist, and acquiring it is the first step toward having appropriate communication with the patients.
Talking about family therapy a little bit deeper, it can be stated that cultural diversity plays one of the central roles in determining the right path of treatment. This is mainly because, as mentioned by Krause (2018), “family therapy is an earlier name for an approach that focuses on relationships” (p. 8). This name tells professionals something more about how this field of psychology appeared historically, and even though it evolved substantially from the early times, the foundation of family therapy is still relationships and communication (Krause, 2018). For this reason, it can be stated that to achieve excellence in counseling families from different cultures, the practice should be established on open communication, trust, truth, and constant interaction. Professionals have to make their patients feel comfortable to express their opinions created by specific cultures and, at the same time, accept those opinions even though they might not fit the perspectives of the specialist. Thus, psychologists should have the unique ability to look at the situation from another person’s cultural point of view and, based on that, decide on the appropriate interventions.
Application to Individual Culture
Based on the provided information, it is now possible to apply the concept of cultural diversity to my case and understand how I should work in this kind of situation. My nationality is Armenian; therefore, it is clear that my professional practices will be largely influenced by the distinguishing features of my culture and ethnicity. That is why I need to acquire additional knowledge on how to address the issues that might appear during family therapy with people from cultures different than mine. In this case, I will be able to practice and prepare myself for any complications during family counseling.
There are a few strategies that I would like to use while working with individuals whole taking into consideration the cultural differences. I have decided that I have to be and also encourage my patients to be as open as possible about our differences and similarities. Before, starting to communicate about their family problems and concerns, we have to establish a strong connection to understand and respect each other appropriately (Pakes & Roy-Chowdhury, 2007). Some of the questions that have to be taken into consideration are:
- What culture do you identify yourself with?
- Where are you and your parents from?
- How close do you feel to your cultural group?
- What languages do you speak?
- What language do you identify as your native?
- Do you share the values of your native culture?
These are only a few of the many questions that can be asked but they all will help to establish a specific foundation for future communication and treatment.
Conclusion
Overall, cultural diversity appears to be an essential component in the field of psychology and family therapy. Therefore, it seems important to acquire additional knowledge about this subject to make sure that challenges and complications can be prevented. Therefore, by immersing deeper into the topic and applying it to my culture, it was possible to find ways of addressing the problem of cultural diversity in family therapy environments.
References
Gehart, D. R. (2013). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theory and clinical case documentation. Cengage Learning.
Krause, I. B. (2018). Culture and system in family therapy. Routledge.
La Roche, M. J., & Maxie, A. (2003). Ten considerations in addressing cultural differences in psychotherapy. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34(2), 180-186. Web.
Mezzich, J. E., Caracci, G., Fabrega Jr, H., & Kirmayer, L. J. (2009). Cultural formulation guidelines. Transcultural Psychiatry, 46(3), 383-405. Web.
Pakes, K., & Roy‐Chowdhury, S. (2007). Culturally sensitive therapy? Examining the practice of cross‐cultural family therapy. Journal of Family Therapy, 29(3), 267-283.
Acupuncture In The Treatment For Low Back Pain
Abstract
Acupuncture is a time tested treatment used by mankind because it has been used for a long time around the world. Most people have thought about the treatment as being helpful making it a very effective treatment to mankind. However, most researchers do not know how the treatment works or how best it works as well as to whom it would produce the best results. Most patients with back pains advocate the treatment as an effective one. Acupuncture is in different forms and therefore different practitioners perform different acupuncture. Typically, the treatment involves use of thin needles to create gentle sensations and is not a painful process. Sometimes, electricity can be passed through these needles. Chinese herbs are also employed to improve the efficiency of acupuncture.
Introduction
Acupuncture refers to the practice where the needles are inserted into specific body parts to improve health conditions in an individual as well as improve his/her wellbeing. The origin of this practice dates back more than 2000 years ago where it was discovered in China. The practice of acupuncture in America makes use of Chinese traditions as well as that of other countries where the best-known type involves inserting thin metallic needles in the skin. Studies have indicated that acupuncture can reduce nausea as well as vomiting, especially during surgery and chemotherapy. The process also reduces pain through a process that aids inactivation of chemicals in the body that kills pain. It affects the release of chemicals responsible for regulation of blood pressure as well as its flow. (Deyo, 2001)
Acupuncture eases back pain
Research has shown that several patients appreciate better pain relief from acupuncture compared to conventional treatment. A study conducted in Germany involved 1,162 patients suffering low back pains who were treated using Chinese acupuncture and also by using convectional drugs along with physical therapy as well as exercise. The investigation proved to be the largest regarding acupuncture, against conventional treatment that did not involve surgery in treating lower back pain to have been reported. Acupuncture is therefore promising to be effective in treating chronic back pains in future. On top of reducing the intensity of pain, the patients also registered improvement in the disability caused by back pain thereby, therefore, improving the quality of life. Generally, at least 80% of individuals at one time in their life experience low back pains which may disappear after a few days but in other cases, it may take months or years. (Weiner, 2003)
Initially, acupuncture was recommended as effective in treatment of back pains when it was administered along with other drugs, but today researchers are looking at the possibility of the methods being used on their own. Acupuncture was administered at sessions that raged between 10-30 minutes for six weeks. The same number of treatment was given to patients on conventional treatment such as exercise and pain medication as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The group that was put on acupuncture only received the medication during acute episodes only, while the control group received treatment at most twice a week for the whole of their treatment period. (Weiner, 2003)
Traditionally, acupuncture was done through insertion of needles through fixed points for fixed depths through the human body. The needles were then manipulated in accordance with the required Chinese practice. The results of the experiment showed that the patients who did not have acupuncture did not show treatment-related responses by the end of the six months duration compared with the ones who received acupuncture. Responses were rated at 32% improvement in reduction of pain which was equivalent to12% progress in functional ability. Acupuncture was found to have minimal Side effects as well as few constrain indications and is therefore recommended for acute as well as chronic back pains. However, like any other medicine, some individuals may fail to respond to the practice. Acupuncture has therefore been found to enhance long-term relief regarding low back pains; a problem that makes several people see their doctors. Research indicates that more than 80% of the population in the world are victims of back pains, the most common being the lower back. (Koes, 2006)
Causes of back pains treated through acupuncture
Among the common causes are sprains which refer to overstretching of the ligaments located at the back and strains which is muscle tear when they are subjected to a sudden force. Both sprain and strain are likely to be caused by injury and poor posture as well as improper lifting. Another probable source is herniated disc which refers to a bulging disc from its normal place between the vertebrae. Research has also shown that sciatica is also a common source of back pain and it refers to the pain that is experienced down to the legs through the buttocks caused by irritation of larger nerves known as sciatic nerve located in lumbar spine. This condition can accompany sprains and strains along with other back pains caused by other sources. (Deyo, 2001)
Traditional Chinese medicine promotes restoration of harmony as well as energy balance to the victim’s body thus stimulating natural healing and general health. Acupuncture is administered as an individual treatment to each patient as a primary modality. When back pains are treated through acupuncture by a practitioner both at the specific site of pain-local and distal- outside the area of pain, the problem is resolved through use of needles. Research has shown that distal points play an important role as far as acute pain is concerned. Usually, these needles are placed in other areas rather than at the back affecting an excellent, quick relief. Located at the back are various local points and before a practitioner administers acupuncture, he/she palpate the body of the patient to know the most sensitive points and then the point being needled. Acupuncture has other adjuncts such as electric stimulation of such points as well as cupping. Doctors recommend frequent initial treatment as well as taper off when the pain starts diminishing. During acupuncture, it is advisable to use herbs as they help to promote blood flow as well as reduction of inflammation on top of strengthening deficient conditions. Studies that were done in a Swedish hospital concluded that acupuncture can provide long term relief of pain. Activity levels in several patients were also observed to have improved along with better sleep. A comparison between the group that was administered with acupuncture and the placebo one revealed that those under acupuncture consumed fewer analgesics by far than those under placebo treatment. Acupuncture has therefore continued to be popular because of its effectiveness in treating chronic backache. Even acute pain clears up after just a few sessions but more treatment is recommended especially in presence of underlying deficiency or when the problem reoccurs. (Koes, 2006)
Conclusion
Acupuncture for treating back pains is effective in terms of cost and this is beneficial because more than 80% of people suffer from back pains at one or several points in life. Although the benefits of acupuncture have no evidence that can be regarded as largely conclusive, 2% of people especially in the UK use it every year and it works far beyond placebo. Recipients of acupuncture are reported to experience lower pain levels and use fewer pain killers compared with recipients of conventional treatment. However, not everyone responds positively to acupuncture in treatment of back pains.
References
Deyo R. (2001): Evaluating and Managing Acute Low Back Pain in the Primary Care Setting – J Blackwell Synergy pp45-53
Weiner D. ( 2003): Electrical Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: Blackwell Synergy pp21-25
Koes B. (2006): Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: Br Med Assoc pp32-36
Racism: Scene For Screenplay Illustrating Racism
Introduction
This scene is a father-son after school conversation about racism. The boy, whose name is James, is six years old and he went to the first grade, where he met four other boys, the same age, the same race, all white. They spend a lot of time together, make friends and go to visit each other. A black boy, Kevin, wanted to join their group, but two boys from James’ company were against it because Kevin is black.
The scene begins with the moment when the father picks up his son from school, and they travel home together, on the way to discussing the last day at school. James tells his father that his two new friends did not accept Kevin into the company. They explained to James that they did not need to accept him into the company because Kevin is black and angry, and they do not want to be friends with him.
This is the middle of the screenplay since the beginning was laid in the school, where the whole situation was started. Then a serious conversation with James’s father on the way home from school, and the end would take place at school where he would talk to his new friends about how racism is wrong, and they should accept Kevin into their company. The situation aims to tell the growing son that he can not be biased against people who have dark skin because they are the same as white people.
The behavior of James’ friends was dictated by their parents, who do not promote the idea that racism has no place in modern society and people can not be judged by the color of their skin. The deep meaning of the screenplay will be that it needs to tell from an early age that all people are equal, whether they are black or white. It is correct to evaluate people only by their actions and not by external data.
The problem of racism in schools is quite acute, as relationships between people begin to form in school, and some children may change their minds under the influence of other children. Farmer (2020) claims that schools should build on cultural values and involve staff in communicating with children about these values. And this is correct since many relationships begin to develop from a young age, and adults need to have the right influence.
Scene
Father: James, how was your day at school? Have you had difficult lessons?
James: I like going to school, but all lessons are difficult, especially math.
Father: Is there something you don’t understand? We can do some math together at home, and I will explain everything you do not understand.
James: Well, I would be happy if you could explain some things to me that I do not understand.
Father: All right, tell me more about school, how are your new friends?
James: We spend all the changes together, have fun and joke, but today there was one situation in which I was confused and did not know how to behave.
Father: Tell me more, I can help you, and in the future, it will be easier for you to understand how to do the right thing.
James: We have a black boy in our class, and his name is Kevin. He is knowledgeable and very well versed in many subjects. He wanted to make friends with us, spend time at recess and lunch. Two of my friends would not let him be friends with us because we are all white and he is black.
Father: James, you understand that you cannot choose your friends based on their skin color, right?
James: I would like to be friends with Kevin, and he knows a lot, has read a lot of books, it is interesting to communicate with him. My friends said that he is black and not like us, so we cannot share with him.
Father: Did they tell you why they think that if Kevin is black, then you cannot be friends with him?
James: Yes, their parents told them that they cannot be friends with black children because they are evil and bad.
Father: James, this doesn’t seem right, and this is not the way to behave. Black people differ from us only in the color of their skin and nothing else. Do you think that the difference in skin color is so essential that you will not communicate with Kevin because of it?
James: I really want to be friends with Kevin, but then I will not have those two friends who do not want to communicate with him.
Father: It would be best if you understood that people who choose their friends only by the color of their skin are wrong and you don’t need to be friends with them. Kevin also saw that you were white, but he wanted to be friends with you because he thought you were friendly and engaging. Not accepting a person and considering them wrong because they are black is called racism.
James: Father, what is racism and why is it so bad?
Father: Racism is the prejudice that one nation is superior to another. Being a racist is horrible because people should not consider themselves better than others by belonging to another race. You can achieve success in school or sports and be better than others in this deservedly, but you can not consider yourself above others because you are of a different race.
James: I do not want to be like my friends, and I want to be friends with Kevin. I will try to explain to them that racism is terrible. If they still do not wish to accept Kevin into our company, I will no longer be friends with them.
Father: Son, this is the right thing to do, and please remember that you can evaluate people by their achievements, their attitude to other people, and you, but in no case should you assess people by their race. I am sure that you and Kevin can become good friends and be happy with this friendship more than in your past.
The next day, James talked to his friends and told them how bad and wrong it was to judge people by their skin color and race. He began to be friends with Kevin, and his friends eventually joined them, as they realized that everything James had told them about racism was correct. They apologized to him that they did not accept him into the company because they thought he was black, and therefore evil.
Conclusion
As a writer, I chose a first-grader who learns from his father to be tolerant of people. In the process of writing the work, I came across the fact that in life, indeed, there are times when parents can instill incorrect thoughts in children from childhood, which can have a negative impact on their entire future life. At the very beginning, I planned that children would more clearly show a negative attitude towards a black boy by publicly insulting him. I decided to remove this sentence, as I may believe that children are not so evil that they can be cruel to children of another race. The most festive scene is when James’ friends realize they are wrong and become friends with Kevin.
Reference
Farmer, G. (2020). What racism in schools looks like. Education Next. Web.