Mother Tongue Trauma and Cultural Sensitivity Rajwinder Da

Mother Tongue, Trauma and Cultural Sensitivity Rajwinder Da Costa (Clinical Manager)

Case Study

Generic therapy Empowerment Commitment Engagement Reassurance Validation Stabilising

Importance of cultural sensitivity within therapy room • • Stronger working alliance Trust Autonomy Cultural understanding Positive clinical outcomes Breaking down stereotypes Psycho-education

The importance of trauma therapy and mother tongue • Barriers of processing and expressing emotion when English is not your first language • Sense of isolation • Feeling trapped within trauma symptoms • Greater degree of misdiagnosis • Negative labelling • Trauma vs. mental health

We can all be multi-cultural therapists • • - Mother tongue is important It’s very important to know your client: What does culture mean to your client? What has happened to them? How does abuse and culture impact their road to recovery and healing?

Do’s • • Be curious Do your research Don’t be afraid to ask questions Stay within your competency Conduct a thorough clinical assessment Ask for phrases in client’s mother tongue Find creative ways for expression i. e art Work with a clinical supervisor who has experience of this client group

Don’t • Don’t assume/make judgements • Ignore her beliefs • Interpreters – ensure they are specially trained • Don’t use culture as a barrier

Ashiana Network offers: • Specialist refuge • Advice and Advocacy • Counselling services • Psycho-educational support groups • Prevention work • Immigration to Women and Girls (16+) affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation The difference we have made in the last year includes: • • 500 women and girls supported across our refuge, advice and counselling services. 138 left their abusive family home. Forced marriage prevented in 18 cases. 109 reported the abuse to police. Contact information e: info@ashiana. org. uk t: 02085390427