East meets West: integrating psychotherapy approaches for Muslim women.
Psychotherapists' knowledge and understanding of Muslim women's culture is essential for them to effectively treat patients. Muslim women's culture is based on Islam, which permeates their thinking patterns, their interaction with themselves and others, and all activities of their daily lives. Western psychotherapy ineffectively treats Muslim women because its individualistic and fragmented method is contrary to the Muslim population's holistic spiritual approach to life. This article provides a theoretical integration of Eastern and Western therapeutic concepts for Muslim women, to promote a more effective therapeutic approach for this population residing in the United States.
Carter
David J
DJ
University of Nebraska-Omaha, Kayser Hall 421, Omaha, NE 68182, USA. dcarter@mail.unomaha.edu
Rashidi
Anahita
A
D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam / Q000523:psychology; D008877:Middle East / Q000208:ethnology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000592:standards