As different diverse groups may present problems specific to their unique issues it is important for psychology professionals to adapt and determine treatments appropriate for different groups. This post will focus on treatments for three different diverse groups: Older adults, Muslims, and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual clients.
Older adults clients of age 65 and older present issues such as appraisal of lifespan, restricted timeframes, death of friends and family members (Laidlaw & Baikie, 2007). For these issues, it would be helpful to use a form of Contemplative Psychotherapy. Contemplative Psychotherapy combines meditation, yoga and consciousness. Clients are encouraged to view life’s issues authentically, courageously, and maturely. Concepts include tools to enhance well being, transforming and reducing negative emotions, redirecting motivation and increasing wisdom, among other concepts. Through this therapy, the unique issues of older adults can be dealt with in a way that will allow the client to further understand personal and human significance. (Walsh, 2008). Thus, clients can deal with life and death from a viewpoint of more awareness of the entire lifespan and not the end of one. Additionally, if therapy is combined with yoga, it will allow older adults to remain psychically active, reducing some physical illnesses that are caused by inaction.
Muslim clients view mental health issues from a religious perspective (Weatherhead & Daiches, 2010), and may benefit from Client-Centered Therapy. Client Centered Therapy allows clients to enter into a relationship of unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding with their therapist. Through this relationship the client uses their own resources and experiences for change and awareness. Thus, the client would be able to integrate their religious views into their sessions quite effectively.
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) clients often present issues involving identify development, family, ‘coming out’ and discrimination (Pachankis & Goldfried, 2004). These clients may benefit from Existential Psychotherapy. Existential Psychotherapy involves a collaborative relationship between the therapist and client, the therapist guides the client to move to a more authentic self and shares experiences with the client (Mendelowitz & Schneiger, 2008). Through this partnership, the therapist and client examine the world the client has created, and determines which aspects can be improved for a more authentic life.
References
Laidlaw, K., & Baikie, E. (2007). Psychotherapy and demographic change: Why psychotherapists working with older adults need to be aware of changing demographics now. Nordic Psychology, 59(1), 45-58. doi:10.1027/1901-2276.59.1.45
Mendelowitz, E., & Schneiger, K. Existential psychotherapy. In R. Corsini & D. Wedding (Eds.), Current psychotherapies (pp. 295-327). Belmont, CA: Thompson
Pachankis, J., & Goldfried, M. (2004). Clinical Issues in Working With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients.Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(3), 227-246. doi:10.1037/0033-3204.41.3.227
Raskin, N.J., Rogers, C.R., & Witty, M.C. (2008). Client-centered therapy. In R. Corsini & D. Wedding (Eds.), Current psychotherapies (pp. 141-186). Belmont, CA: Thompson
Walsh, R. (2008). Contemplative psychotherapies. In R. Corsini & D. Wedding (Eds.), Current psychotherapies (pp. 437-480). Belmont, CA: Thompson
Weatherhead, S., & Daiches, A. (2010). Muslim views on mental health and psychotherapy. Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 83(1), 75-89.
