A Reporter
SHILLONG: The Psychology Department of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) organized a two-day workshop on “Cultural Competence and Evidence-Based Practices in Mental Health” at its premises on August 1 and 2.
The facilitators were Christ University professors Dr. Baiju Gopal, Dr. Tony Sam George, and Dr Elizabeth Thomas. The main objective of the workshop is to sensitize the mental health professionals to approach mental health issues in a culturally relevant manner without losing its evidence base.
The resource persons briefed the participants on the process of examining cultural influences on a person’s self-development and his or her interactions with others. The participants were also enlightened about the importance of recognizing the interface between psychology and culture in the Indian context and the need to recognize the cultural context of assessment and other tools and apply cultural competence and evidence-based approach in therapeutic contexts.
The ultimate goal that should be aimed at is to care for clients in the best possible manner, always keeping their best interest at the fore. The workshop was conducted as part of the US-Indo 21st Century Knowledge Initiative Awards in collaboration with MIAMI University, Oxford, Ohio, USA and funded by USIEF.