Abstract
Whereas most Western European therapists and clients consider emotional distance and abstinence as desirable and conducive in the therapeutic process, this may not always be the case with clients from India. Cultural components such as the contrast between linear and cyclic world-views and the traditional view of the psychologist as an advisor in India present a challenge to professionals with a Western background. Some factors such as the situation of women in society and seemingly too close familiy ties can mean that a Western therapist fails to promote the changes an Indian client is desiring for his or her family. However, besides cultural awareness and caution, one of the most helpful tools in work across cultures is curiosity in its most positive sense and the readiness to be surprised by ones’ clients.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cross, T. (1997). Understanding the relational worldview in Indian families. National Indian Child Welfare Association, http://www.NICWS.com, 1–5.
S. Kakar (1997) Psychoanalysis and non-western cultures. Culture and psyche Oxford University Press New Delhi
S. Kakar (1996) The Indian psyche Oxford University Press New Delhi
R. Nath J. Craig (1999) ArticleTitlePractising family therapy in India: How many people are there in a marital subsystem? Journal of Family Therapy 21 390–406 Occurrence Handle10.1111/1467-6427.00127
A. Roland (1989) In search of self in India and Japan Princeton University Press Princeton, NJ
A. Schlippe Particlevon M. El Hashimi G. Jürgens (2003) Multikulturelle systemische praxis Carl-Auer Systeme Verlag Heidelberg
R. Singh (1996) ArticleTitleRituals in family therapy Indian Psychologist 1 25–29
D.W. Sue D. Sue (1990) Counseling the culturally different John Wiley New York
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
I would like to thank all my Indian colleagues who supported and advised me in my work in India.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Standke-Erdmann, B. Working with Families from the Indian Sub-Continent: An Indo-German Experience*. Contemp Fam Ther 27, 315–327 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-005-6212-y
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-005-6212-y