Cultural Adaptation of CBT for Serious Mental Illness: A Guide for Training and Practice

Although proven as one of the most effective evidence–based therapies, a key criticism of the theoretical framework of CBT is that it is Eurocentric, and therefore an ineffective tool for treating people from diverse cultural backgrounds. As a result, people from ethnic minority groups are often reluctant to work with therapists, who in turn do not feel confident in their ability to work effectively with them. This book is designed to enable CBT clinicians to engage people from diverse cultural backgrounds by adapting their therapeutic techniques, resulting in increased therapist confidence and much improved patient outcomes. It explores the cultural norms and expectations of groups including African Caribbean, African American, Chinese, Latino, Indian and South Asian Muslim, considering attitudes to mental illness, the role of family and wider community, and cultural barriers to engaging with therapy. Featuring an array of clinical case studies along with coverage of the most up–to–date data from CBT research in ethnic minority groups, this is an essential new resource for anyone studying or practicing CBT.

Dr Shanaya Rathod is a Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Services Director and Director of Research at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK. Dr Rathod has been a Fellow of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. She has published a number of papers in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, and books including, Back to Life, Back to Normality: Cognitive Therapy, Recovery and Psychosis (2009). David Kingdon is Professor of Mental Health Care Delivery at the University of Southampton, UK, and Honorary Consultant Adult Psychiatrist for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. He has previously worked as Medical Director for Nottingham Health Care Trust and Senior Medical Officer (Severe Mental Illness) in the UK Department of Health. He now does policy and implementation work for NHS England and is editor of their mental health websites. Dr Narsimha R Pinninti is Professor of Psychiatry at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer for Twin Oaks Community Services in New Jersey, USA. A certified cognitive therapist and psychiatrist for the Assertive Community Treatment Team, Dr Pinninti has published over 40 articles in peer reviewed journals and authored two manuals on how to teach Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions for case managers and clients. Douglas Turkington is Professor of Psychosocial Psychiatry at Newcastle University, UK. Professor Turkington is an expert on the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of schizophrenia. A fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and founding fellow of the Faculty of Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia, he has written more than 100 articles on the subject of CBT in schizophrenia. Dr Peter Phiri, PhD is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Specialist and Research & Development Manager (Interim) at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Southampton, UK. He is an accredited member of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy.