The Significance of Family and Spirituality vis-à-vis Southeast Asian Clients: Culturally Sensitive Social Work Practice with Refugee Populations

Abstract

Conscientious social workers would be remiss to exclude family and culture as essential aspects of life in social work practice. As a central part of Southeast Asian culture, family and spirituality are central components that may enhance the therapeutic potential of social work practice with Southeast Asian clients. Cultural sensitivity assumes the need to include practitioners who acknowledge and apply culturally specific principles in accordance with desired therapeutic outcomes. The ability of social workers to accurately perceive, conceptualize, and interact with Southeast Asian refugee clients is considered a necessity in a rapidly changing and complex world. This consideration must remain viable to sustain the integrity and prestige of the social work profession at-large.

KEYWORDS:

• culture
• family
• refugees
• social work practice
• Southeast Asians
• spirituality