Applying Schema Therapy in disadvantaged and Third-world populations

I would be really keen to be involved in forming a blog to find ways of meeting the needs of disadvantaged and third-world populations.

This might involve looking specifically at how schema therapy can be applied in non-western populations and how it might fit within the particular ‘psychology’ of the disadvantaged cultural groups we are working with. Here in Australia, I hope that schema therapy could play a role in increasing our understanding of the emotional and spiritual impact of the trans-generational trauma associated with colonization, prolonged disadvantage and the forcible removal of children on the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. Although we may be working with different cultural groups and different types of trauma, I would really value the opportunity to exchange ideas with other schema therapists, to look at ways of developing relationships/rapport with people from disadvantaged cultural groups, learning to conduct therapy in less ‘clinical’ and more flexible ways that fit with the needs of the communities we are working with, and further developing schema therapy in ways that fit well within others’ cultural values and way of life. It might be interesting to think about how schema therapy can be applied at a community as well as an individual level, as it is often whole communities which have shared in the traumas of the past. I am wondering if there might also be scope for finding new ways of offering schema therapy to remote and rural disadvantaged populations, such as through the use of video conferencing and other forms of technology.

I would be delighted to hear from others who might also be working in this area and to learn from your experience!