PSY561 CULTURAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

Course Code:2330561
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (0.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:8.0
Department:Psychology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Graduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. DENİZ CANEL ÇINARBAŞ
Offered Semester:Fall and Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

  • To increase awareness of one’s own values and world view.
  • To gain knowledge about the values and world view of various cultural groups in the context of Turkey.
  • To obtain basic multicultural psychotherapy skills.
  • To gain knowledge of multicultural theories and multicultural competencies. 

Course Content

Designed to establish a theoretical and practical understanding of the multicultural psychotherapy process. Includes a focus on cultural differences, multicultural therapy competencies, models of racial and cultural identity development, multicultural assessment procedures, and culture-specific (emic) and universal (etic) helping styles. A broad understanding of diversity, including culture, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disability will be utilized. Also, students will be guided to challenge their own biases and assumptions toward culturally diverse individuals through the use of experiential exercises and discussions.


Course Learning Outcomes

  • To increase awareness of one’s own values and world view.
    • Identify one's own cultural background
    • Identify one's own attitudes
  • To gain knowledge about the values and world view of various cultural groups in the context of Turkey.
    • Describe demographic information and cultural characteristics, such as language, religion, experiences, of cultural groups in Turkey
    • Discuss discrimination experiences of cultural groups in Turkey
  • To obtain basic multicultural psychotherapy skills.
    • Distinguish discriminative behavior
    • Formulate culturally sensitive approaches in therapy
  • To gain knowledge of multicultural theories and multicultural competencies. 
    • Describe multicultural models
    • Describe multicultural competencies
    • Discuss multicultural therapy models

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Skills to understand and successfully employ the latest and most advanced research and data analysis methods and techniques.
2Knowledge of the latest theoretical and empirical literature in psychology.
3Skills to conduct research and critically evaluate the important literature on any topic of interest related to psychology or other relevant disciplines.
4Awareness about the novel information in light of the theoretical knowledge gained and knowledge to develop advanced research topics and questions.
5Skills to develop and carry out a research project from beginning to end in light of the formulated research questions using the accumulated knowledge from relevant literature and methods.
6Awareness of conducting research, publishing, and application activities in light of ethical principles and values.
7Skills to work independently as an individual and as part of a team.
8Skills to communicate effectively, both in written and oral forms of English and Turkish, during scientific activities.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution