CULTURAL SENSITIVITY IN CONVENTIONAL PSYCHOTHERAPY: A COMMENT ON MARTÍNEZ-TABOAS (2005)

A. Martínez-Taboas (2005) presents a compelling case of a woman with psychogenic seizures treated with a combination of cognitive therapy and an affirmation of espiritismo , the belief among some Latino individuals in spiritual possession and intercession. Martínez-Taboas's sensitivity to the cultural beliefs of the patient is commendable; however, integrating cultural sensitivity with more conventional treatment approaches offers the potential for an effective, more generalizable model of intervention. In this article, the author argues for a greater appreciation of culture-bound syndromes in clinical presentation. In addition, the utility of more culturally sensitive adaptations of existing treatment models is discussed.