ISBN-13: 978-0367227937
Murat Artiran, Ph.D.
This unique volume integrates history, mythology/folklore, and theory and to bridge the gap between Western and Middle Eastern approaches to and understanding of psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Part I lays the foundation with an overview of the theoretical essentials of REBT and CBT in the West, the goals and assumptions of REBT and CBT in the Middle East, and what Middle Eastern clients understand about cognitive distortions, irrational beliefs, and emotions.
In Part II, chapters delve more deeply into how psychology is placed in the context of Middle Eastern folklore. The author provides a summary of the history of psychology in the Middle East; an analysis of the relevance of Sufism to self-acceptance, acceptance of others, and life acceptance; and an evaluation of the use of metaphor in psychotherapy from the Middle Eastern perspective. Finally, the author provides case studies that show how these concepts are applied in practice. This text is ideal reading for researchers and clinicians who study Middle Eastern psychology and who work with Middle Eastern clients, as well as for Middle Eastern psychologists and clients.
Chapter Outlines
PART 1: Western Theory
Chapter 1: What is this book for?
This section explains the aim and objectives of the book. It also specifies how to use the book and identifies who the audience is.
Chapter 2: REBT & CBT Theoretical Essentials
Essential information about RE & CBT psychotherapy is covered in this section. This section introduces the reader to the main topics of RE & CBT. Since cultural differences and practices are the main theme of this book, the topics on subsequent pages will be linked to this section.
Chapter 3: Bs of the ABC Model
This section looks closely at irrational and rational beliefs, dysfunctional thoughts (cognitions) and the ABC model of Rational Emotive & Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Chapter 4: Goals of the Therapy
This section sets out the purpose of RE & CBT and therefore focuses on ‘C’ of the ABC Model. The goal of the therapy is discussed from the perspective and expectations of Middle Eastern people.
Chapter 5: What the Theory Says, What the Culture Understands
RE & CBT theories will be discussed qualitatively from a Middle Eastern client’s point of view, including some questions as to what clients in the Middle East understand about cognitive distortions, irrational beliefs and emotions. It includes a discourse about their expectations from therapy and subsequently how their environment reacts after they have begun psychological treatment.
PART 2: Eastern Sources
Chapter 6: A history of psychology in the Middle East
A brief history of psychology in Middle Eastern countries is provided. Some of the topics related to psychotherapy and psychology from the wide cultural pattern of the Middle East is introduced.
Chapter 7: Unconditional Self – Acceptance and Sufism
The use of Sufism in psychotherapy is presented to readers. There is an attempt to summarize more than a passing understanding of Sufism, though it bows to the wisdom of the truly great masters. An explanation is given of its relevance to RE & CBT’s concepts of unconditional self-acceptance (USA), others acceptance (UOA) and life acceptance (ULA); self-worth and self-love are also considered.
Chapter 8: Middle Eastern Metaphors
This section provides some Middle Eastern metaphors to be used in psychotherapy. The examples bestow information on therapists and clients to create an alternative cultural flavor and atmosphere.
Chapter 9: Middle Eastern Idioms, Proverbs & Folk Sayings
This section includes examples of Middle Eastern folk sayings, idioms and proverbs for rational beliefs. Explanations of how to use them to support clients is also discussed.
Chapter 10: Session Structures and Examples
This section provides some examples of culturally adaptable sessions, semi-structured session protocols and examples of how to use folk sayings and metaphors in therapy.
