Racial identity development incorporates perspectives of a person’s view of self with regard to his or her own racial group and other racial groups. Conversations about racial identity and the importance of it is encouraged early in the assessment process of treatment.
Most clients feel more comfortable discussing psychological problems with someone of the same ethnic and racial background, and they may answer questions about symptoms more accurately when matched. Ethnic minority clients may perceive their therapy experience to be more effective when they are with someone who has a native understanding of their culture.
The Benefits
Neurobiological research has shown that having a coherent personal narrative is one of the essential parts of healing.
- Heightened self-awareness
- Self-understanding and insight to behavior patterns
- Deconstruction of negative thinking patterns
- Exploration of value conditioning techniques