Ojanen, Timo Tapani, 1979-. Mental health practitioners' LGBTIQ cultural competence in Thailand. Doctoral Degree(Social Sciences and Health). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2019.
Mental health practitioners' LGBTIQ cultural competence in Thailand
Abstract:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) people have elevated mental health needs due to the additional stigma, discrimination and violence they experience. To serve LGBTIQ clients' needs appropriately, mental health practitioners require LGBTIQ cultural competence. Delphi methodology was used to identify what LGBTIQ cultural competence comprises in Thailand and how it can be developed. The participants were 14 LGBTIQ individuals who had used mental health services, and 13 mental health practitioners with expertise on LGBTIQ issues. First round of data collection (online survey/interviews) identified competencies and ways of developing them; the second round (online survey) measured agreement on each issue. Service user and practitioner participants' ratings indicated overall agreement on most proposed competencies. LGBTIQ cultural competencies included understanding contemporary LGBTIQ identities and concepts, accepting and empathizing with LGBTIQ clients, recognizing and rejecting stereotypes, having skills of asking questions in a way that is sensitive to LGBTIQ clients, and advocating for social change. Providing assistance on issues specific to LGBTIQ clients (e.g., minority stress & gender transitioning) was also considered necessary, but the most important aspect seems to be building and maintaining a helpful therapeutic relationship. Non-clinical personal contacts or networks with LGBTIQ individuals and attending experiential training connecting life experiences with relevant concepts were some of the suggested LGBTIQ cultural competence development methods. The findings provide the first-ever overview on the prerequisites of appropriate mental health practice with LGBTIQ clients in Thailand. They indicate that with LGBTIQ clients, generic professional competence is insufficient for enabling the operation of common factors (e.g., empathy & therapeutic alliance) underlying positive psychotherapeutic change; LGBTIQ cultural competence is also required.
Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center