The role of ethnicity in contemporary North American group psychotherapy

The increasingly heterogeneous populations of the United States and Canada necessitate a reappraisal of the socio-cultural norms and group therapeutic approaches which were based primarily on white, Judeo-Christian values. Th e author reviews the literature on the treatment of ethnically different pa tients and discusses socio-cultural phenomena relevant to group therapy whi ch differ from the mainstream culture. The culturally determined contrasts in perception, attitudes, communication and behaviour which minority member s may exhibit in the group are examined. The specific demands on the therap ist working with ethnic group members are highlighted along with the modifi cation to the therapeutic technique. Recommendations for a culturally sensi tive and broader training of group therapists are offered.