Lessons for an Outsider:A Family Therapist's Experience in Bolivia

This is a reflection on cross-cultural therapy from the perspective of a practitioner and trainer who is an outsider to the culture in which she is working. The context is work in Bolivia. The therapist's own position, the process of interaction and the influences on the family of its context are considered. Cultural notes are provided to highlight what an outsider may represent, and the legitimacy of his involvement and intervention in family situations. Themes frequently encountered in therapy are reviewed including jealousy, violence and the changing societal relationship between men and women. The usefulness of getting to know the cultural background of such themes, including the possibility of exploring them anew in therapy, is examined. Finally, a case study is presented related to the themes which also illustrates the adaptation of process to fit patient's culturally related expectations.