September 2017

THERAPY
A Cultural
Guide to
Acceptance
by Celeste Catania-Opris, Ph.D.
With everything happening in
the world today, it can appear to
be a scary place sometimes.
Every single day, news outlets cover
stories about violence and tragedy.
During these times, we tend to
point fingers at one another and look
for answers. We want to know, who is
responsible? Which types of people are
more likely to cause such horrible acts?
This is how cultural division occurs. It is a
lot easier to create separation by grouping
individuals so that blame can be given to
those who are different than we are.
With this mentality, we may miss the
beauty surrounding us. We can be so
fixated on how different we are that we
miss the similarities. We all feel pain.
We all yearn for love. We all breathe the
same air. Our cultures may be different,
but many of us share similar values.
Numerous cultures believe in family, love,
and religion. Sure, the color of our skin
may be different, the way we show love
or the type of religion we practice may
be diverse, but many of the principles we
uphold are on the same spectrum.
When in doubt, challenge yourself to be
open and understanding. Remember to
learn, teach, and spread positivity.
Learn:
Immerse yourself into other cultures
whenever you have the opportunity. For
instance, try different foods. Your culture
may eat rice but other cultures make
rice in their own unique way, so taking
yourself out of your comfort zone at times
can be fun. Perhaps you could go with
a friend to their church or temple. Many
religions believe in God, spreading love,
and good faith. You may be pleasantly
surprised how much your religion has
in common with your friend’s faith.
When we don’t understand things,
we tend to push them away.
Instead, remind yourself that you
can always ask questions, clarify
any misunderstandings, and most
importantly, learn.
Teach:
We may not realize this, but we have
an enormous influence on shrinking the
division that exists in this world. Instead
of ignoring or lecturing those who may
not “get” us, teach. Even though we
may not be teachers by occupation, we
have the power to spread knowledge,
inform those around us, and explain what
we mean when we say or do things a
certain way. One of the most detrimental
ways of speaking is when we use the
terms ‘them’ or ‘they’ loosely to discuss
another group of individuals. This whole
‘them against us’ mentality is what drives
the separation in this world. Instead, if
something horrific happens, remember
it was the individual who committed the
act, not the entire culture. We have the
capability to make positive changes so
that the next generation can see more
promise and possibility than we were able
to experience.
Spread positivity:
All of our personal experiences are real,
to each of us. These experiences create
our truths and reality, and lead us to our
beliefs of how the world really is. However,
remember to approach life, and those in
it, with an open mind and positive outlook.
The more we hear and see negativity in
this world, the harder it is for us to close
the gap that exists when trying to find
peace. When negativity approaches
you, react with love. View others with an
open heart. Try to find what you have in
common and how it connects us.
Try to be the positive example you wish
to see in this world, even though it may
seem impossible at times. Be a better
person each day. Learn from your past
and grow for your future. You have these
strengths and capabilities. The speed of
change and acceptance may not be as
we envisioned, but the possibility for a
better future gives us the hope we need
to keep on trying. P
Celeste Catania-Opris, Ph.D.,
LMFT, offers therapeutic services to
individuals, couples, and families; www.
TherapyForModernHousewives.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2017