Are we in the together?

Holding space for the differential effects of COVID-19 on bi-cultural families in therapy.

1:15 - 4:30 pm EDT

Free Webinar for CAMFT Members

By:

Radhika Sundar MA, RP, RMFT-SQ

https://omfamilytherapy.com/

Canada faces a mental health emergency. COVID -19 has exposed the divisions in contemporary society and the flaws in matters of social justice, equity and fairness. Calls for mental health supports are at a record high. During this time, many of us, including those in the Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities, are facing daily struggles in dealing with the corona virus pandemic. Researchers in Policymaking indicate that systemic racism has two-fold effect on the BIPOC community during the pandemic, due to racial inequalities in health and environmental factors.

This presentation focusses on the impact of the pandemic from a Canadian perspective and its differential effects on bicultural families in therapy. The topic will be presented in two parts.

     PART- 1 – 1:15 pm to 2:30pm. EDT

• “Are we in this together?”: Holding space for the differential effects of COVID-19

  As therapists, we are seeing more families reaching out for help. As a member of the bridges group, I plan to initiate a discussion forum among participants and reflect on our varied experiences in therapy and how we can turn the tide on inequalities in therapy. Join us during this important discussion and lend your voice!

  PART-2- 2:30pm- 4:30pm. EDT

  Holding space for bicultural families in therapy

  The ability to protect oneself and one’s family greatly depends on the kind of resources that families and communities can draw on during a crisis situation. During this part of the presentation we shall explore:

• What is a bicultural family and how they are vulnerable during the pandemic
• The relative importance of culture, religion, tradition, values and social norms and customary law
• The importance of social connectedness and agency when dealing with threats within the family and the wider community, like domestic violence, gender-based violence and hate crimes.
• How do we assess and support the level of family cohesion in bicultural families? 

In this interactive session, power point slides and case examples will be used to discuss the differential effects of COVID-19.