ABSTRACT
Child and adolescent psychotherapists today are much more aware of the importance in emotional life of the different cultures their patients and themselves come from, than they
were in the past. In parts of Great Britain, and particularly in London, there is a tremendous social mix of cultures – including Afro-Caribbean, Arabic, Bosnian, French, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Muslim, Nigerian, Somali – each of these cultures bringing their own traditions, customs and histories with them when they come to Great Britain. As immigrants, their histories may be full of terrible experiences of war, torture, loss and oppression. Others have come to Great Britain for better work and educational opportunities than they would
have had ‘at home’. Some have found true refuge, safety and prosperity in their new home. Others find that they must face daily prejudice because of their colour. Some find that they can make important contributions to British society, with many opportunities open to them on their personal merit, others find the same doors to opportunity firmly closed because of prejudice.
