Bridging Cultural and Communication Differences in a Bilingual Psychotherapy Practice
It’s time to reimagine therapy and what it means to be a therapist. We are human beings who can now present ourselves as whole people, with authenticity, purpose, and connection. Especially now, when therapists must develop a personal brand to market their practices. To support you as a whole person and a therapist, your hosts, Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy talk about how to approach the role of therapist in the modern age. Interview with Dr. Carmen Roman We enjoyed talking with Dr. Carmen Roman! Dr. Carmen Roman is a bilingual and bicultural psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working in both Mexico and in California. She combines both cultures and both worlds in the session. She specializes in creative expression as a form of treatment for sexual abuse, trauma, and immigration related stress. Some clinical issues she works with are: anxiety, depression, fear, severe trauma, or low self-esteem. Her clients are psychologists, counselors, religious leaders, and people in the entertainment industry. Based on Gestalt therapy she helps her clients to live with awareness, responsibility and in the here-and-now. Aided by the transpersonal psychology she addresses issues of spirituality, the use of meditation and shamanic experiences. She is a specialist in creative expression in therapy at master's and PhD levels. In this episode we talk about: Navigating a therapy practice serving 2 countries as well as numerous cultures and languages Bringing psychotherapy to rural areas and indigenous people Staying current with the Latino perspective, the language, and what is happening in Mexico Cultural implications of diverse clientele – not assuming you understand and asking the right questions The integration of philosophy, anthropology, and psychology Unique challenges of a bilingual practice The importance of social justice and “rescuing the dignity” of your clients The implications of unplanned, unplugged time. Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. To learn more about Dr. Carmen Roman: Website www.emotionsinharmony.com Email her at carmen@armoniaemocional.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DraCarmenRoman/ Twitter https://twitter.com/DraCarmenRoman YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/cafecitovirtual Credits: Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano http://www.crystalmangano.com/