Working with Polish Clients in therapy

I'm not quite sure why, but over the years I have had a particular intriguing fascination with multicultural issues/aspects of people. I think it's because one's differences seem more interesting than similarities, culturally speaking. Funny enough, I went into a seminar on "Working With the Polish Client" expecting to leave with more clinical insights/techniques geared towards counseling with Polish clientele....and left with no more than when I arrived (in that regard). I did, however, enjoy learning more about the historical roots of Poland and the understandable link between addiction and its people.

Presented by a Polish native, the seminar focused on how the social and political climate (particularly 1793-1918 being the worst, as Poland didn't even exist on the map during this time....territorial wars taking place with everyone wanting a "piece" of Poland) contributed to its inhabitants "adapting" to the stress in escapist ways (drugs and alcohol, especially vodka). In the past I remember wondering why many Poles would make a decision to immigrate to the US, of all countries. With all the deep seated mistrust and hopelessness of communist rule, the speaker pointed out that Polish people tend to admire other countries (like America) who fight for freedom and have a more free economy.

Interestingly, as much as I learned about historical stuff from the seminar, I was surprised to discover I already knew a majority of the things discussed from talking about these very specific cultural issues with one of my Polish clients I have been working with since Dec. 2005. A very interesting and intelligent guy, he has educated ME on his culture....by MY asking him questions. While it's great for clients to learn from me/what I can offer them in counseling, I'm also very humbled to say I learn very valuable things from some of them as well.