ABSTRACT
The concepts of transference and countertransference are extremely useful in a cross-cultural therapeutic encounter, and, of course, the therapist, just like the client, brings expectations, hopes, and repetitions of their history with the client. Clients seek therapy when they feel they have reached a point when they can no longer cope alone with their emotions, and when they need another person to listen and support them. “Caring” for the client may incorporate their cultural notion of what is appropriate support/care/therapy, who the appropriate “healer” might be what type of process and length of support is required. It is always vital to find out where the client is in relation to their culture, and how much the client wishes to move out of their cultural framework. One of the aims of clinical work is towards integration of internal, psychological conflicts, as well as culturally conflicting elements.
