Our counselling service was set up back in 1999 for the Greek speaking communities of Enfield based on the identified need for a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate psychological support. Referrals built up in a very short time confirming first and foremost that communicating understanding in one’s own language whilst respecting the cultural differences are determining factors for effectiveness. Indeed, for those whose language was a barrier and the prospect of finding help via the use of interpreters was discouraging, this offered opportunity also contributed positively towards alleviating the stigma attached to accessing mental health services; equally so, for those British-born generations of our ethnic minorities whose presented concerns needed to be approached with cultural understanding.
Over these last twenty-two years, the service has seen many changes with its funding authorities and applied requirements, whilst a great deal of effort was put on sustaining its resources in order to be offered for free. Following last week’s awareness-raising on mental health, our service maintains its accessible practice and, in every opportunity, engages in a continuous effort to break the barriers that stop people from seeking help. On the other hand, its cultural sensitivity is applied to a plethora of issues that are often associated with a widely defined theme of ‘difference’.
Individuals and families appear desperate in their struggles to come to terms with and accept a choice in one’s life that is not agreeable with what is familiar or assumed, whether in the context of a career, a lifestyle, a partner, or otherwise. Family members would attribute these problems to reasons such as narrow mindedness, ignorance, stubbornness, lack of understanding, strong belief systems, fear, generational gaps, societal pressure, stigma, or prejudice amongst others. And many of those affected by such issues would often share their experiences of feeling hurt, angry, let down, judged, alienated, or rejected.
Culturally or not, we may be inclined to focus more on how much we differ from the person next to us and rightly so, expect to be respected within our uniqueness. Yet, what brings us together is the common ground, our similarities, and our genuine efforts to be open and willing to learn from each other. It is always sad to have a pandemic or a loss of a loved one reminding us of what should really matter in life. Whilst we may find ourselves being more easily sympathetic to what we can relate, reaching out with a genuine effort to empathise with our differences, be it culturally defined or otherwise, brings the real hope for meaningful change to our challenging journeys.
Antony Sigalas
Psychotherapist, Alpha Care Counselling Services
Tel: 020 8373 6287