When Therapy Meets Culture: Rethinking Western Psychology | Beatrice Ng-Kessler

What happens when Western models of therapy meet cultures that understand emotion, identity, family and relationships differently? Dr. Emma Waddington is joined by psychologist, Schema Therapy trainer and author Beatrice Ng-Kessler for a conversation about culturally responsive therapy and the assumptions therapists can bring into the room when working across cultures. Together, they explore the differences between individualistic and collectivist cultures, why behaviors that appear to be avoidance or dependence through a Western psychological lens may have a very different meaning in another cultural context, and how therapists can become more curious about what is happening beneath the surface. Beatrice also introduces her CPR Framework — Content, Process and Relationship — a practical way for therapists to slow down and consider not only what a client is saying, but how emotion is being experienced and regulated and what may be happening within the therapeutic relationship. In this conversation, Emma and Beatrice explore: • How culture shapes emotional expression and psychological wellbeing • Individualistic vs. collectivist approaches to identity and relationships • Why Western therapeutic assumptions don't always translate across cultures • How culturally normative behaviors can be mistaken for avoidance or pathology • The importance of curiosity and cultural humility in therapy • Beatrice's Content–Process–Relationship (CPR) Framework • How therapists can formulate cases with greater cultural awareness • What culturally responsive psychological practice can look like in the therapy room About Beatrice Ng-Kessler Beatrice Ng-Kessler is a psychologist, Schema Therapy trainer and supervisor whose work focuses on the cultural adaptation of psychotherapy, particularly when working with clients from collectivist cultures. She developed the Content–Process–Relationship (CPR) Framework to help clinicians distinguish between what a client says, their emotional process, and what is happening within the therapeutic relationship. About Dr. Emma Waddington Dr. Emma Waddington is a clinical psychologist, podcaster, author and founder. Through conversations with experts in psychology and wellbeing, Emma explores the many ways we think, feel, connect and make sense of our lives. Learn more about Emma: dremmawaddington.com Subscribe for more conversations about psychology, relationships, wellbeing and what it means to live a full and meaningful life. #Psychology #Psychotherapy #CulturalPsychology #SchemaTherapy #MentalHealth 00:00 Introduction to Betrice Ng-Kessler 01:19 Defining Collectivism 03:42 CPR Framework Basics 09:40 Filial Piety Tension 13:57 Naming Cultural Differences 23:49 Vulnerability And Limits 27:09 Reverse Culture Therapy 31:01 Seeing Culture Through Difference 32:07 Curiosity As A Compass 33:26 Parenting Across Cultures 35:44 Autonomy And Parental Defensiveness 40:25 Love Languages And Food 43:28 Collectivism Communication Nuances 45:38 Silence In Class And Work 50:10 Therapist Takeaways And Attention