Confronting Self, Confronting Hate Practices of Healing: Using Multicultural Psychotherapy to Confront Symbols of Hate October 11, 2008 Brenda Chiu, Sally Chung, Jennifer Costillo, Jason Edgar, Dr. Joy Bustrum Azusa Pacific University

Introduction “Willingly or unwillingly, the world has become the fabled ‘global village’ (McLuhan, 1968, 1989), and the global village is multicultural, multinational, and multiethnic. The scale, complexity, and impact of these events and forces constitute a formidable challenge for psychology as a science and profession.” (Marsella, A. J., 1998)

A Collaborative Process “Change involves awareness of biases, and the ability for psychotherapists to promote knowledge, attitudes, and skills important to the cultures of those with whom they [we] work.” (Vasquez, 2007)

Goals of presentation Generation of awareness Generation of questions Proposal of a working model to facilitate this awareness and these questions This presentation is merely a beginning point from which to step into this awareness and to engage with these questions

Vulnerability “As counselors, it is critical that we challenge ourselves to dialogue honestly and openly about racism, despite our fears and anxieties related to this topic.” (Constantine, 1999)

A Four Step, Non-Linear Process & Lifelong Commitment Recognition Process Comprehension Implementation

The Use of Narrative Polkinghorne states that “…We achieve our personal identities and self-concept through the use of the narrative configuration, and make our existence into a whole by understanding it as an expression of a single unfolding and developing story…Self, then, is not a static thing or a substance, but the configuring of personal events into an historical unity which includes not only what one has been but also anticipations of what one will be.” (Yi & Shorter-Gooden, 1999)

Phase I: Recognition A writing exercise that includes: ◦ Cultural Identity ◦ Messages received during childhood ◦ Inherited and/or established prejudices ◦ Traumatic incidents ◦ How this history influences you today both personally and professionally

Sally

Phase II: Process Sharing stories within a trustworthy group of colleagues ◦ Reconciling prejudices & experiences ◦ Validation ◦ Acceptance

Phase II: Process Group Set-Up ◦ Day or weekend retreat is ideal ◦ Allow plenty of time  20 – 30 minutes per person sharing  10 – 15 minutes for group feedback & processing ◦ Select a moderator  Does not have to be same person each meeting ◦ Establish Group Rules  Much like you would establish group therapy  Review the importance of confidentiality  Configure the group in a circle or comfortable, open placement

Phase II: Process Risks involved ◦ Thoughts and feelings of shame ◦ Self-hatred ◦ Fear ◦ Pain ◦ Group reaction & response

“It was common for greater awareness to be accompanied by strong emotions and even relational upheavals.” (McDowell, 2004)

Phase II: Process Rewards ◦ Holistic Healing ◦ Reconciliation ◦ Acceptance ◦ Learning about other cultures by way of colleagues’ stories ◦ Greater understanding of self and others ◦ Increased cultural competence

Phase III: Comprehension Integrating one’s experiences with one’s core sense of self Acceptance of self and others Acknowledgement of the effects of your story on self and others

Jennifer

Phase IV: Implementation Commitment to cyclical process Continual evaluation and processing of one’s experiences ◦ May involve returning to previous stages and re- processing events and feelings Bringing revelations and self-awareness into the therapeutic sphere ◦ Supervision ◦ Case conceptualization ◦ Treatment ◦ Recognition of countertransference ◦ Personal limitation ◦ Personal strengths

“Culture is one of the most influential determinants of identity (Waldegrave, 1998), and therapists who do not address cultural meaning in their clients [or themselves] may be engaging in oppressive practices rather than therapeutic ones.” (Thomas, A. J. & Schwarzbaum, S., 2006)

Brenda & Jason

Group Process Any personal reactions? Any personal feelings? What do you think that Jason was feeling when Brenda shared? What about Brenda when Jason was sharing? How did their stories resonate with your story? How do you think that you would have reacted if you were in Jason or Brenda’s place? Any general thoughts or feelings about the process as a whole?