Identify several factors that a therapist must consider when assessing the likelihood that a client will be successful in therapy. Explain how cultural considerations factor into your answer.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Several factors are important when assessing the likelihood that a client will be successful in therapy.
The first and most important determinant is the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between therapist and client, including feelings of empathy and the ability to work together. The relationship between therapist and client should involve trust, acceptance, safety, and positive regard. This creates a positive and safe environment in which the therapist and client can work together to establish therapeutic goals and identify rules and steps for achieving those goals. Because the therapeutic alliance is so important to the success of therapy, it is also most vulnerable to problems if the therapist does not understand or share their client's cultural experiences and beliefs, including beliefs about mental illness. Therapists need training in multicultural awareness and sensitivity, but with so many cultural and ethnic groups, as well as other subcultures based on religion, sexual orientation, economic background, and more, it is impossible to learn about all cultural groups. Additionally, the nature of cultural values are constantly changing. A therapist needs to be aware of their own cultural beliefs and values to be successful.
The second factor associated with successful treatment is the client's motivation for change. The client needs to believe that their behavior can and will change over time. The client's willingness to commit to the process of therapy is evidence of their motivation and commitment. A motivated client is also someone who desires change and is willing to complete assignments and other difficult work in order to reach his or her goals.
Lastly, disciplined flexibility addresses how an effective therapist must have the ability to adjust their techniques based on the qualities and needs of the client. A good therapist often takes an eclectic approach, combining and integrating various techniques as needed. A good therapist is flexible and must be able to "read" the client to modify techniques midstream. This can relate to the ability of the therapist to be flexible in dealing with clients from different cultures.
The multicultural nature of our society poses challenges for mental health professionals, who may be helping diverse groups of people. The therapist must have a generic set of skills and knowledge that will allow him or her to work in many cross-cultural therapy environments. The therapist may also need the knowledge and tools to work with specific cultural communities, gathering information when working with a new client. A therapist must evaluate and assess a client's cultural identity, understand his or her symptoms, and create optimal relationships with the client for effective diagnosis and care