Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy: EFT for South Asian Families

TITLE: Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy: EFT for South Asian Families

DATE: Saturday, October 4, 2025

TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

LOCATION: In-Person, TBA

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

This workshop is designed to help licensed clinical therapists deepen their understanding of the unique cultural dynamics present in South Asian families and apply Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles with cultural sensitivity. Participants will learn how cultural values like collectivism, family honor, gender roles, and hierarchical structures influence emotional expression and family interactions. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, this workshop will equip therapists with the tools to navigate these dynamics and provide culturally attuned care. By the end of this workshop, therapists will be better equipped to create a safe therapeutic environment that respects South Asian family dynamics and fosters emotional healing.

CEUs
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
**Counts towards CEUs for AzBBHE for cultural competency.**

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. South Asian Family Dynamics
   Explore the core cultural values of South Asian families, such as collectivism, family honor, and gender roles, and their impact on emotional communication.
2. Power, Hierarchy, and Therapy
   Discover the role of hierarchy, elder respect, and authority within South Asian family structures and how these factors can affect therapy dynamics.
3. Culturally Sensitive EFT Strategies
   Learn specific EFT strategies to address issues like shame, stigma, and mental health taboos within the South Asian cultural context. Practical techniques will be introduced for engaging clients in meaningful emotional work while honoring their cultural values.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Reetu DeLeon, LCSW, has been practicing clinical social work since 2004. She completed her graduate studies at New York University (NYU), one of the top graduate schools in the country. During her time at NYU, she began her clinical training working with the criminal defense team at the Legal Aid Society as well as working with a counseling group in an outpatient mental health clinic for adolescents.

Since graduating with her Masters degree from NYU, she immediately began working in New York City in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient mental health clinics, adolescent community centers and a not for profit domestic violence agency. Reetu has worked with a wide range of clients including children, adolescents and adults using several treatment modalities. For the past several years she was working in these settings with clients from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and with a wide diagnostic range. Her roles involved psychotherapy, supervision, crisis intervention, and program development.

Reetu completed a post graduate program at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, one of the most well known and highly regarded training institutes in the field of couples and family therapy. She spent four years training at the Institute under some of the country’s best clinicians working on cutting-edge research initiatives that focus on the development of new treatment models and training techniques.

Reetu DeLeon worked with individuals, couples and families in her West Village (Manhattan) office, while also consulting. She was also asked to present as a guest lecturer for the graduate program at Columbia University School of Social Work. In July 2016, Reetu DeLeon, relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she now has a thriving practice. Several of Reetu’s New York City clients continued their work with her through video sessions, with a seamless transition. Reetu is also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and serves as the Diversity & Inclusion Chairperson on the AzEFT Board.

Reetu DeLeon is of Indian descent but has lived in the United State since the age of two. She has assimilated to American culture while sustaining many of the values and beliefs of Eastern Culture. She uses this balance and understanding when working with her diverse clientele. Reetu is committed to cultural competence and curiosity.

DISCOUNTS

** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY

In the event that you have paid for an upcoming event but are not able to attend, you may request a refund up to 30 days prior to the event.

Refund requests must be received in writing via email to: azeftcommunity@gmail.com. Requests received at least 60 days prior to the start of the event will receive a full refund of the registration minus the Eventbrite refund fee. Requests received between 30-59 days prior to the start of the event will receive a 50% refund of the registration minus the Eventbrite refund fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the event.