Bridging the Gap: Culturally Attuned Therapy for Couples from Collectivistic Cultures (3 CE credits)

Presented by Jerrold Lee Shapiro, PhD In 2025 a study of couple therapy with clients who come from traditional Asian cultures explored how Western therapeutic tools may fail to connect with Asian clients. How might we work with clients for whom individualistic values often clash with collectivist priorities? The result is this workshop and a 2026 book, Couple Therapy through the Lens of Four Asian Cultures (Cognella, 2025) offering a roadmap for bridging this cultural divide. Drawing on the expertise of clinicians and clients with ties to the Philippines, China, India, and Israel, we offer case examples and a guide for greater cultural-oriented competence. We describe and demonstrate how to use indirect interventions such as metaphors, stories and somatic practices. Finally, we show how effective therapy is more about "being with" than "doing to." By embracing cultural humility and honoring indigenous wisdom, clinicians can transform relational distress into opportunities for deep, culturally resonant healing. Program Goal Bridge the gap between western individualistically-oriented couple therapy theory and practice and clients from Asian collectivistic cultures. Offer unique ways to work with these couples therapeutically. About the Presenter Jerrold Lee Shapiro is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor in Santa Clara University’s Counseling Psychology graduate program. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Assn. Having taught and done couple therapy since the late 1960s, he has authored 20 books and over 200 journal articles and professional presentations. He has won awards for teaching, research, and writing. Full event details: https://scv-camft.org/event-6617361