title: Curiosity and biculturalism as key therapeutic change activities.
abstract: At the heart of my work with clients are my attempts to cultivate a spirit of curiosity as they encounter themselves and the life circumstances that contribute to their mental health challenges. Promoting this personal strength helps them wonder, inquire, entertain, and "brainstorm" about potential ways to resolve their conflicts. Curiosity is both promoted and rewarded by considering alternative worldviews in ways that I frame as a "highly personalized bicultural encounter." Understanding my client's personal "culture" and contrasting this worldview with alternative considerations promotes ideas regarding the creative tension in opposites (C. G. Jung, 1917/1928, Two essays on analytical psychology, 1966 revised 2nd ed. Collected Works Vol. 7, London: Routledge), which can help develop wholeness and balance. Specific actions, strategies, supporting research, and a brief case example are offered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-4301, USA. cwaehle@uakron.edu
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Waehler
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*