While psychoanalytic scholars often address specific aspects of diversity such as gender, race, immigration, religion, sexual orientation, and social class, the literature lacks a set of core principles to inform and support culturally competent practice. This approachable volume, now available in paperback,responds to that pressing need. Drawing on the contributions of psychoanalytic scholars as well as multicultural and feminist psychologists, Pratyusha Tummala-Narra presents a theoretical framework that reflects the realities of clients’ lives and addresses the complex sociocultural issues that influence their psychological health.
Psychoanalytic theory proves to be particularly valuable in exploring unconscious processes, recurrent themes, and transference and counter-transference. In examining these questions, the author provides engaging case illustrations from her own clinical practice, as well as findings from her research with youth of
Trade Review“Tummala-Narra has gathered our dispersed ideas in psychoanalytic thinking about difference and expertly fashioned an important and clinically astute framework. Her ideas are rich and generative. Reading her book was invigorating and challenging, like a consult with a wise and trusted colleague.” — PsycCRITIQUES®
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
- A Historical Overview and Critique of the Psychoanalytic Approach to Culture and Context
- Psychoanalytic Contributions to the Understanding of Diversity
- Cultural Competence From a Psychoanalytic Perspective
- Attending to Indigenous Narrative
- Considering the Role of Language and Affect
- Addressing Social Oppression and Traumatic Stress
- Recognizing the Complexity of Cultural Identifications
- Expanding Self-Examination: Cultural Context in the Life and Work of the Therapist
- Implications of a Culturally Informed Psychoanalytic Perspective: Some Thoughts on Future Directions
References
Index
About the Author
