Within contemporary therapeutic practices, social marginalization is regarded as a fundamental aspect greatly influenced by the diversity of cultures and human interaction (Combs & Freedman, 2012). The recognition of social diversity as an aspect of cultural environments has led to the need for a modern understanding in developing programs and services related to therapy. These current models challenge traditional beliefs and re-evaluate the role of therapists and individual actors, emphasizing the integration of specific social skills that welcome different cultural experiences (Combs & Freedman, 2012). Following the same, this paper is a personal reflection influenced by reading two articles by Combs and Freedman (2012) and Falicov (2018) regarding postmodern models and cultural humility.
Reason for Picking the Two Articles
I chose to focus on these two articles to reflect on since, according to me, they are very distinct yet complimentary regarding cultural diversity and humility. The article by Falicov (2018) profoundly examines the challenges individuals face navigating transitions between countries. The report provides a valuable framework to explore my own experiences or those of individuals within my social circle who have undergone similar journeys. In addition, Combs and Freedman (2012) explore the potential intersections between postmodernist ideologies and civil rights within the context of narrative therapy. The article serves as a resource for my understanding by exploring the intersection of postmodernism with broader cultural concerns of fairness. It initiates a fundamental evaluation of power structures, marginalized perspectives, and the influence of narratives in shaping cultural understanding.
Reactions to Their Experiences and Perspectives
The experiences and perspectives shared in Falicov’s Transnational Excursion provide insight into the profound psychological distress that individuals undergoing migration endure while adjusting to the disruption of cultural and familial ties (Falicov, 2018). The various stories presented highlight the challenges faced by settlers from multiple backgrounds, showcasing the emotional distress caused by broken relationships and the hardships of settling in a foreign land. The Mexican child’s sense of abandonment, the Chilean woman’s intense suffering, and the Czech woman’s internal turmoil all reflect the pain caused by disrupted family ties (Falicov, 2018). These incidences evoked empathy and illuminated the relationship between mental suffering and cultural disparities. The incidences and perspectives revealed the power of cultural differences in shaping individuals’ identities (Combs & Freedman, 2012).
Poststructuralist Ideas
The poststructuralist ideas in narrative therapy hit close to home for me. Learning about the power of speech to shape our beliefs and behaviors and rejecting generalized insights in favor of appreciating individual uniqueness evoke empathy, consideration, and validation. Mostly because I have struggled with fitting in for a long time, I constantly belittled my values and experiences regarding social exposure. I have always felt like I do not belong or fit in socially acceptable crowds because I am not vastly exposed to the same beliefs, values, and experiences as them. As a child, I often found myself in conflict with societal norms and presumptions that ran counter to my beliefs and principles. The realization that conversations are essential in shaping our perceptions and the confirmation that we are all members of each other’s stories resonate deeply with my journey of discovering my true self through investigating cultural tensions (Combs & Freedman, 2012).
Learning the Concept of Modern-day Power
I learned from Foucault’s thought of present-day power that liberty is pursued in addressing and testing established norms and discourses. Foucault distinguished between traditional and contemporary power (Combs & Freedman, 2012). The distinction highlighted how cultural influences motivate our perceptions and behavioral patterns. I understood that modern power is communicated through dialogue and is influenced by the media, educational institutions, commercialization, and cultural presumptions. It illuminates how these discussions affect our thoughts, beliefs, and choices about ourselves, often leading us to conform to social norms without conscious awareness. However, the liberating perspective rests in the realization that once we become aware of this power’s actions, we can consider the consequences of our decisions and their impact carefully. I concluded that encouraging people to look into the motivations and sources behind their beliefs, actions, and decisions can promote the growth of critical thinking and introspection, forcing them not to succumb to cultures they are not accustomed.
Crossroads of Postmodern Models and Cultural Humility
The relationship between postmodern models and cultural humility highlights both points of alignment and tensions. Both concepts align in how they stress the importance of acknowledging and valuing diverse perspectives (Combs & Freedman, 2012). Postmodernism’s rejection of grand narratives is consistent with cultural humility’s core principle of avoiding assumptions and cultural stereotypes. Nevertheless, there are potential tensions between the two, with the idea of professionals adhering to certain cultural competencies and principles while practicing cultural humility conflicting with postmodernists’ skepticism toward universal truths. The latter’s skepticism toward overarching frameworks might conflict with cultural humility’s focus on learning and respecting cultural practices. Still, professionals can incorporate components of both cultural humility and postmodernism, as evidenced by embracing the idea of diverse ways of comprehending the world while acknowledging the value of cultural competence and humility in certain contexts (Combs & Freedman, 2012). Therefore, despite agreeing on certain aspects, cultural humility and postmodernism share a complex and context-reliant relationship, with individuals navigating the concepts to fit their goals and perspectives.
Postmodern Techniques and the Cultural Humility Lens
Postmodern approaches’ recognition and respect of diverse perspectives can help improve cultural humility, especially in the context of therapeutic techniques. Narrative therapy is one postmodern approach that fits the cultural humility lens. The approach views people as authors of their narratives, thus helping clients rewrite their stories in an empowering and value-consistent manner (Dybicz & Hall, 2021). The link between narrative therapy and cultural humility stems from the latter’s emphasis on understanding people in the context of their unique cultural narratives, with therapists using this approach to explore and validate diverse clients’ cultural stories. Another postmodern technique, collaborative therapy, considers the therapist-client relationship as a partnership grounded on shared decision-making, mutual respect, and co-creating therapeutic goals (Combs & Freedman, 2012). Collaborative therapy complements cultural humility’s emphasis on a therapist’s ability to collaborate with culturally diverse clients through active client involvement in the therapeutic process. This approach ensures a respectful and inclusive therapeutic process tailored to the client’s cultural context. The third technique, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), emphasizes identifying and amplifying solutions instead of focusing on problems, stressing the client’s resources, strengths, and practical and attainable goals (Dybicz & Hall, 2021). SFBT’s integration with cultural humility is evidenced by the latter’s recognition and valuing of diverse people’s strengths and resilience. The postmodern technique aligns well with this by actively looking for clients’ strengths and cultural resources, with therapists likely to explore how to leverage cultural strengths to realize positive upshots.
Postmodern Model Connections
The context portrayed by Combs & Freedman (2012) concerning the narrative therapy approach is in connection with the standards of poststructuralism, which is a postmodern model. Poststructuralism reveals the deconstruction of laid-out standards and power structures that impact individual encounters and cultural assumptions (Larsson, 2018). In particular, Combs and Freedman’s article focuses more on narrative therapy. As I reflected more, I realized that its act of externalizing discussions is in connection with the poststructuralist viewpoint. They both challenge the idea that problems dwell within individuals. On the contrary, they consider problems as separate aspects that do not define an individual’s identity. A post-culturalist stand concurs with this view as it looks at how outside factors that surround individuals shape their experiences and perspectives (Larsson, 2018).
Cultural Humility in the Therapeutic Environment
The therapist’s context is crucial in understanding clients through their unique cultural contexts. One way I am mindful of merging perspectives during interactions with clients is by trying to create a safe environment for clients to share their experiences. I always use inclusive and culturally sensitive language to avoid making generalization- or stereotype-based assumptions about certain clients. I also encourage open dialogue where clients can discuss cultural similarities and differences. Moreover, I try to involve them in setting therapeutic goals to ensure culturally relevant therapeutic processes are consistent with clients’ worldviews.
Furthermore, I often self-reflect on my beliefs, assumptions, and biases, examining how my cultural background might impact my perceptions and client interactions. Lastly, I intend to undergo cultural humility training to understand better and respect clients’ diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural humility necessitates open communication, self-reflection, and commitment to understanding and respecting clients’ unique cultural contexts.
Postmodernism and Social Construction
As a professional, being aware of social settings in client connections is key in cultivating a protected and comprehensive helpful climate. Understanding the effect of my social foundation and predispositions is major in guaranteeing socially delicate practices. Considering the readings, I have recognized likely errors or reactivity that could emerge from them as a basic piece of my methodology. For example, I have read articles examining cultural disparities different from my own. A habit can develop to overgeneralize or confuse specific social viewpoints while collaborating with clients from those foundations. It could prompt unexpected generalizing or suppositions in view of restricted or imperfect understandings from the readings. The misconception could coincidentally impact the therapeutic environment by obstructing open correspondence or creating hindrances to genuinely figuring out the client’s different social settings. To counter this, I effectively practice self-reflection and stay careful about any predispositions or suspicions that could emerge during sessions.
Conclusion
The reflection of Brushes Freedman and Falicov’s articles gives insight into cultural diversity, power structures, and therapeutic models. Falicov’s work wonderfully highlights the battles that immigrants face in the midst of social changes. The article features the effect of disrupted family and cultural ties. Brushes and Freedman’s narrative therapy model lines up with poststructuralist and postmodern thoughts as they both externalize issues, test power structures and esteem different stories. These readings highlight the meaning of recognizing social variety, engaging people’s accounts, and encouraging an environment of cultural humility within therapeutic practices.
References
Combs, G., & Freedman, J. (2012). Narrative, poststructuralism, and social justice. The Counseling Psychologist, 40(7), 1033–1060. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000012460662
Dybicz, P., & Hall, J. C. (2021). An introduction to the postmodern paradigm via contrast to the modern paradigm: Relevance for direct social work practice. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2021.100206
Falicov, C. (2018). Transnational Journeys 2019. New York: Guilford Press, 108–122. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344799442_Transnational_Journeys_2019
Larsson, O. (2018). Advancing Post-Structural Institutionalism: discourses, subjects, power asymmetries, and institutional change. Critical Review, 30(3–4), 325–346. https://doi.org/10.1080/08913811.2018.1567982
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