Diversity
Explore the importance of diversity in psychotherapy practice and research. This section covers topics related to cultural competence, inclusivity, and the ways in which diverse perspectives enhance the therapeutic process.
143 articles found
The Myth of Monolithic Experience: Navigating Intra-Cultural Assumptions through Deliberate Practice
Cultural matching between client and clinicians has long been discussed in psychotherapy as a strategy to enhance treatment engagement and therapeutic alliance (Cabral & Smith, 2011). Practitioners often assume that shared cultural background inherently improves therapeutic connection, reducing cultural barriers and enhancing understanding. Empirical evidence supports the notion that ethnic or language matching can improve […]
Joel Jin, PhD
April 5, 2026
Reclaiming Psychotherapy: A Health-Centered Alternative to the Western Medical Paradigm Offered by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Abstract The dominant Western medical model in psychotherapy, centered on illness and problems, has revealed limitations including over-pathologization and poor treatment outcomes. This paper proposes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a robust, health-centered alternative paradigm. TCM offers a holistic, person-centered approach that views mental health as inseparable from physical health, emphasizing balance (Pínghéng Guān平衡), unity […]
Changming Duan, Ph.D. + 8 more
March 19, 2026
From Research to Practice: Meet the Author Event Promotes International Dialogue in Psychotherapy
On January 24, 2026, the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (SAP) China Chapter successfully hosted its member event Meet the Author. The event was jointly organized by SAP International Domain, and the SAP China Membership Engagement Committee of International Domain, and hosted by the Hubei Oriental Insight Mental Health Institute (OI). The event aimed […]
Di An, A + 3 more
March 17, 2026
Global Perspectives in Training Future Mental Health Practitioners: Challenges and Innovations from Four Continents
Abstract Amid a rapid sociocultural transformation and a growing global demand for mental health care, the effective training of future psychotherapists has become a pressing concern. This article synthesizes insights from a structured discussion held at the 56th International Annual Meeting of the Society for Psychotherapy Research, where four international professionals from the diverse regions […]
Agostino Brugnera, PhD + 5 more
February 12, 2026
Advocacy and Mentoring Program for Diversity (AMPD)
Application Due Date: March 1, 2026 The Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy announces its Advocacy and Mentoring Program for Diversity (AMPD) and invites interested doctoral students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows to become AMPD scholars. Purpose: The purpose of the Advocacy and Mentoring for Diversity Program is twofold: (a) to allow doctoral students, interns, and […]
Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy
February 7, 2026
Toward Healing: Integrating Trauma-Informed Care and Liberation Psychology in the Treatment of Immigration Trauma
Immigration trauma is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in the cumulative distress experienced across the migration timeline: pre-migration, migration journey, and post-migration resettlement. Each of these stages carries profound psychological implications. The experiences of war, political persecution, and natural disasters in home countries often serve as catalysts for migration yet leave behind deep emotional scars (Garcini […]
Gabriela Balardin, MS
November 14, 2025
Art Therapy with Ukrainian Refugees: A Pilot Program
In recent years, the number of worldwide refugees has skyrocketed. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, 2025) reported there are over 43 million refugees—more than double what it was just 10 years ago—and 8 million asylum seekers internationally. Displaced people need support in variety of ways ranging from physical security to psychological treatment. […]
Katerina Scott, BA + 1 more
September 25, 2025
Spiritual Competencies for Psychotherapists: Research Findings and Training Opportunities
This article shares insights from “Improving Psychotherapists’ Spiritual and Religious Competencies: Evaluation of a Live Videoconferencing Training Program,”recently published in Psychotherapy (Richards et al., 2025). The study evaluated the effectiveness of a live videoconferencing training program in spiritually integrated psychotherapy (SIP) offered by ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education (ACPE). Here, we summarize […]
Russell Siler Jones, ThD, LCMHCS + 1 more
July 1, 2025
Resilience as a Goal in Psychotherapy
Our collective tolerance for distress seems to be declining since the pandemic. The number of Americans who currently have or are being treated for depression has increased to 17.8%, a seven-percentage point increase since 2015 and the highest percentage recorded by Gallup (Witters, 2023). An alarming 43% of adults say they feel anxious, an increase […]
Jared Scherz, PhD, MEd
May 7, 2025
Anorexia Nervosa in Chinese Women and Adolescents
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic and debilitating mental illness characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, restriction of energy intake leading to significant weight loss that interrupts the developmental trajectory, and distorted body image (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). AN is considered the deadliest mental illness and is particularly difficult to treat due to […]
Dalemarie Johannesson, MS + 1 more
May 5, 2025
The Future of Master’s-Level Psychotherapists Trained in Psychology
Master’s-level psychotherapists have been receiving degrees and practicing psychotherapy for many years. As most are aware, there are different types of training programs at the master’s level. Importantly, some of those training programs are explicitly grounded in psychology. For example, programs in Counseling Psychology often offer both master’s and doctoral training, and there are some […]
Jake Jackson-Wolf, LCPC + 1 more
April 16, 2025
Empathy in Chinese Culture: The Role of Differential Mode of Association
Empathy is a fundamental concept in psychotherapy. As a robust predictor of client outcomes (Elliott et al., 2018), its importance is self-evident. Most therapists are able to recognize the significance of empathy when they first begin their training, and additionally spend a significant amount of time learning how to practice empathy. However, both trainees and […]
Xu Zhu, PhD + 2 more
April 9, 2025