Capturing (and Communicating) Complexity: Adapting CBT for Clients with Multiple Diversity

Abstract

Due to the increasing diversity of the U.S. population, practitioners of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidenced-based psychotherapies are often called on to adapt interventions for use with their diverse clients. There are few tools available to guide what steps are needed to culturally adapt interventions, yet such a framework is needed to move the field forward. In this context, Glassgold (2009) describes her use of gay-affirmative psychotherapy, utilizing adapted CBT interventions and other psychotherapeutic techniques with “Felix,” a Latino gay male client. This commentary uses the case of Felix as a point of departure to add to the discussion of cultural competence as it relates to a client from two minority groups (Latino ethnicity and gay sexual orientation). At the same time, we discuss some of the psychotherapeutic interventions employed by Glassgold and how they relate to merging evidenced-based treatment with traditional psychotherapeutic techniques and the adaptations needed when working with sexual minority and ethnic minority clients.