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Cultural adaptations of cognitive behaviour therapy for the Orthodox Jewish community: a qualitative study of therapists’ perspectives
Author(s): Golker, Chaim; Cioffi, Maria Cristina
Date: 2021
Topics: Mental Health, Main Topic: Other, Psychology/Psychiatry, Orthodox Judaism, Haredi / Strictly Orthodox Jews
Abstract: Cultural factors are influential in the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment efficacy of mental health conditions. Although the literature has advanced substantially towards the development of cultural adaptations of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for various minority cultural groups, research into cultural adaptations of CBT for the Orthodox Jewish community has been scarce. This qualitative study interviewed five CBT therapists about their experiences working with clients from the London Orthodox Jewish community and uncovered several key practical implications for the clinical practice of CBT with this client group. This study indicates that CBT is a culturally appropriate psychological treatment for this client group that accords with Orthodox Jewish teachings and religious beliefs. CBT therapists are encouraged to become familiar with Orthodox Jewish cultural practices and beliefs and adopt a culturally sensitive approach to treatment. Despite the reduced mental health stigma within the community, this study recommends that CBT therapists normalise mental health conditions and therapy with Orthodox Jewish clients. Due to the close-knit nature of the community, it is suggested that CBT therapists display heightened confidentiality with this client group. To overcome the mistrust of their Orthodox Jewish clients, CBT therapists are advised to display cultural sensitivity and genuine respect for the Orthodox Jewish way of life, in addition to building a strong therapeutic alliance. Further qualitative research exploring different perspectives is necessary to produce evidence-based guidelines for the cultural adaptation of CBT for the Orthodox Jewish
Dating experiences of Orthodox Jews in the shidduch system: a thematic analysis
Author(s): Golker, Chaim; Senior, Victoria
Date: 2021
Topics: Main Topic: Other, Mental Health, Marriage, Singles, Haredi / Strictly Orthodox Jews, Interviews
Abstract: Arranged dating approaches are common in numerous religious cultures, but the dating experiences of Orthodox Jews have been largely unexplored in the research. In this qualitative study, eight young adults from the London Orthodox Jewish community were interviewed about their dating experiences in the shidduch system using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Overall, participants believed that dating in the shidduch system was compatible with their religious and cultural needs. The shidduch system was conceptualised as an intellectual approach to dating that prioritised identifying a suitable spouse. Whilst this focus was appreciated by participants, they also identified challenges with this approach. However, the shidduch system was also recognised as increasingly flexible to meet individual needs in the modern world. Findings are considered in terms of their relevance to mental health professionals working with Orthodox Jewish singles as they navigate the shidduch system.