Integrating Cultural Rituals into Family Therapy: A Case Study with a Bedouin-Arab Patient in Israel

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Abstract

This paper describes the treatment of a Bedouin-Arab in an outpatient psychiatric clinic in the south of Israel by a Russian-Jewish psychiatrist and a Bedouin-Arab mental health practitioner. A comparison is made in the understanding of cultural terminology and strategies, and the appropriate integration of a cultural ritual with modern therapy. The clinical process required the practitioners to weigh the risks and benefits of, in particular, the Bisha ritual [ordeal by fire], and the incorporation of the gender-based familial power differential as a significant factor in such decision-making is outlined. The significance of familiarity with the patient's culture is also discussed and exemplified.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-73
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Family Psychotherapy
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 6 Aug 1999

Keywords

  • Case study
  • Culture
  • Family therapy
  • Israel
  • Psychotherapy
  • Rituals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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