Using prayer in psychotherapy: applying Sue's differential to enhance culturally competent care.
In this article, the authors discuss the application of Sue's cultural competence differential of hypothesis testing, dynamic sizing, and cultural specific expertise as a model for considering cultural factors in the treatment of an African American family. Three cultural dimensions are highlighted: spirituality, womanism, and community exposure to trauma. Given the centrality of spirituality for this African American family, prayer is used to facilitate the therapeutic process. Discussion from a womanist perspective highlights the spiritual, communal, and personal dimensions that the aunt faces as an African American woman. Consideration of the community context and potential exposure to trauma and loss allows for a fuller appreciation of the psychosocial context of the nephew. Sue's differential guides the case discussion.
Abernethy
Alexis D
AD
Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA. aabernet@fuller.edu
Houston
Tina R
TR
Mimms
Tiffany
T
Boyd-Franklin
Nancy
N
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003071:Cognition; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012067:Religion; D012938:Social Perception; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States