Search results for ""Author Roland Littlewood""

There are many problems in working psychotherapeutically across cultures, with numerous examples of failure to understand cultural issues. For example, the ignorance of traditional family structures can lead to major diagnostic and therapeutic errors. These errors include potentially disastrous transference relationship interpretations, the confounding of traditional beliefs with psychiatric symptoms, and a lack of awareness of differences in presenting symptomology. This book explains the theories and techniques of intercultural therapy. The second edition retains many of the ideas and practices developed in the first edition, but has been updated throughout to include the latest literature, and includes a new introductory chapter. A range of different views on intercultural therapy are given by a group of specialists who have pioneered this developing area. The late Jafar Kareem BSc was a member of the British Association of Psychotherapists, a member of the London Centre for Psychotherapy, and Founder and Clinical Director of Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre. Roland Littlewood BSc, MB, DPhil, FRCPsych, is Professor of Psychiatry and Anthropology, University College London, Joint Director of the UCL Centre for Medical Anthropology, Consultant Psychiatrist, Middlesex Hospital, and Medical Advisor, Nafsiyat.

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Revealing a tension between the medical model of depression and the very different language of theology, this book explores how religious people and communities understand severe sadness, their coping mechanisms and their help-seeking behaviours.Drawing from her study of practicing Catholics, contemplative monks and nuns, priests and laypeople studying theology, the author describes how symptoms that might otherwise be described as pathological and meet diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder are considered by some religious individuals to be normal and valued experiences. She explains how sadness fits into the 'Dark Night of the Soul' narrative - an active transformation of emotional distress into an essential ingredient for self-reflection and spiritual growth - and how sadness with a recognised cause is seen to 'make sense', whereas sadness without a cause may be seen to warrant psychiatric consultation. The author also discusses the role of the clergy in cases of sadness and depression and their collaboration with medical professionals.This is an insightful read for anyone with an interest in theology or mental health, including clergy, psychiatrists and psychologists.

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