Perspectives: Mental Health and Culture

Behrang Ajam

"Perspectives: Mental Health and Culture" examines how cultural diversity impacts our understanding of mental health and therapy. Designed for professionals and curious listeners, this podcast by Behrang Ajam, a Registered Psychotherapist, provides insights into cultural dimensions, biases, and effective strategies to bridge gaps in understanding. Discover how diverse perspectives can inspire healing and personal growth.

Episodes

  1. 03/14/2025

    10. Cultural Communication Styles – The Role of Context in Therapy

    How we communicate is more than just words—over 50% of communication happens through non-verbal cues like tone, gestures, and silence. In this episode, we explore high-context vs. low-context communication and how these cultural styles influence therapy and counseling. Learn how indirect communication can be misunderstood, why directness may come across as insensitivity, and how cultural miscommunication impacts therapeutic relationships. Through real-world case studies, discover practical strategies for culturally competent counseling that foster trust and understanding. Tune in to enhance your ability to navigate communication across cultures! 🎙️ ✨ #CulturalCompetence #Therapy #Communication #MentalHealth

    12 min

  2. 03/11/2025

    9. Time, Pleasure, and Culture

    How do cultural values influence our approach to time, success, and enjoyment? In this episode, we explore two of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions—Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation and Indulgence vs. Restraint. Learn how different societies prioritize planning for the future or living in the moment, and how attitudes toward pleasure and self-discipline shape emotional well-being. We discuss how therapists can adapt their approach to align with clients’ cultural values. Tune in to gain insights into culturally informed therapy! 🎙️✨ #CulturalPsychology #MentalHealth #Hofstede #Therapy

    10 min

  3. 02/27/2025

    8. Individualism vs Collectivism

    This episode explores the concepts of individualism vs. collectivism in terms of cultural dimensions. Learn how individualist cultures prioritize independence and self-expression, while collectivist cultures emphasize family, community, and social harmony. We discuss how these worldviews influence emotional expression, decision-making, conflict resolution, and therapy engagement. Tune in to discover how therapists can adapt their approach to align with clients’ cultural values for more effective and meaningful therapy. #CulturalPsychology #Therapy #MentalHealth #Individualism #Collectivism

    10 min

  4. 02/19/2025

    7. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: An Overview

    How does culture shape the way we think, interact, and seek therapy? In this episode, we explore Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, a groundbreaking framework that helps therapists understand cultural differences in power, individualism, uncertainty, gender roles, time orientation, and indulgence. Learn how these dimensions influence mental health, therapy engagement, and client expectations. By applying this knowledge, therapists can build culturally informed strategies that foster trust and improve therapeutic outcomes. Tune in to discover how cultural awareness can transform mental health practice. #CulturalPsychology #Therapy #MentalHealth #Hofstede

    11 min

  5. 02/12/2025

    6. Therapy and the Locus of Control

    How does a client’s sense of control influence their engagement in therapy? This episode explores how understanding a client’s Locus of Control (LOC)—internal or external—can help therapists tailor their approach for better outcomes. We discuss cultural influences, real-world case studies, and practical strategies for adapting therapy to align with clients’ worldviews. Learn how integrating cultural awareness into therapy fosters trust, reduces resistance, and creates meaningful progress. Tune in to discover how a nuanced understanding of control beliefs can transform therapeutic engagement and mental health outcomes. Citation to the research mentioned in the podcast: Bazrafshan, A., Fahimy, M., Farpour, H. R., Sayyadi, A., & Heiran, A. (2024). The association between locus of control and general mental health in patients with lumbar spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2024.2426309 Mozafari S, Yang A, Talaei-Khoei J Health Locus of Control and Medical Behavioral Interventions: Systematic Review and Recommendations Interact J Med Res 2024;13:e52287 URL: https://www.i-jmr.org/2024/1/e52287 DOI: 10.2196/52287

    11 min

  6. 02/06/2025

    5. Culture and The Locus of Control

    How much control do we really have over our lives? In this episode, we explore the concept of locus of control—whether people see themselves as the drivers of their own fate or believe external forces shape their experiences. We discuss how cultural values influence this perspective and examine its impact on mental health and therapy. Tune in to learn how understanding locus of control can transform therapeutic engagement and personal growth.

    16 min

  7. 01/29/2025

    4. Hope, Change, and Culture

    Hope and change are universal experiences, but culture shapes how we understand and pursue them. In this episode, we explore how different cultural narratives influence hope—whether rooted in faith, collective support, or personal effort—and how these perspectives impact therapy. We also examine how cultural attitudes toward change, from embracing transformation to valuing stability, shape clients’ engagement in the therapeutic process. Tune in to learn how culture shapes our perception of growth and healing.

    10 min

  8. 01/21/2025

    3. Cultural Narratives: Shaping How We See the World

    How does culture shape the way we see the world? This episode examines cultural narratives that influence whether we view life as a journey of connection or a series of challenges to overcome. Through relatable examples and case studies, we explore the impact of cultural worldviews on optimism, resilience, and agency. Learn how understanding these perspectives can help therapists and individuals align with cultural values while navigating life’s complexities. Perfect for anyone curious about the role culture plays in shaping our perceptions.

    12 min

  9. 01/21/2025

    2. The Framework We Live By: Understanding Culture

    Culture is the invisible lens through which we interpret the world, shaping our beliefs, values, and behaviors. In this episode, we explore what culture is and how it operates on visible, deep, and unspoken levels. Through relatable examples—like communication styles, views on time, and mental health beliefs—you’ll see how culture influences every part of our lives. Reflect on your own cultural background and discover how understanding these frameworks can inspire empathy, connection, and new perspectives on human diversity.

    12 min

  10. 01/21/2025

    1. Culture: Do we need to know about it?

    This episode introduces "Perspectives: Mental Health and Culture" by exploring how culture shapes mental health and therapy. Behrang Ajam, a Registered Psychotherapist shares a story of a client (name and story changed for privacy) navigating cultural expectations, highlighting themes like collectivist and individualist values, cultural expressions of mental health, and potential biases in diagnostic practices. Listeners are encouraged to think about how their own cultural backgrounds influence their views on mental health and therapy. This introduction opens the conversation to understanding and addressing cultural dynamics in mental health care.

    6 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

"Perspectives: Mental Health and Culture" examines how cultural diversity impacts our understanding of mental health and therapy. Designed for professionals and curious listeners, this podcast by Behrang Ajam, a Registered Psychotherapist, provides insights into cultural dimensions, biases, and effective strategies to bridge gaps in understanding. Discover how diverse perspectives can inspire healing and personal growth.

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