Ethnicity in Clinical Theory and Practice (GPSY 6731)
Graduate Course, New School for Social Research
Course Objectives:
The aims of the course are three-fold. First, we will explore the structural, cultural, and interpersonal factors that contribute to ethnic disparities in mental health care. Second, through participation in experiential exercises, we will explore cultural influences that shape our own worldviews and uncover personal biases that may hinder our effectiveness with minority clients. These explorations may encompass other areas of diversity, such as gender, social class, sexual orientation, and religion. In the third part of the course, we will examine the influence of race, culture, and ethnicity on the phenomenology of distress and practice strategies for conducting a culturally-grounded case formulation. In addition, we will discuss techniques for improving therapeutic engagement with diverse client populations.