TAP Talk 19th Jan 2018 - Changing Times & Evolving Cultures - Ounkar Kaur

On the 19th January TAP members and guests welcomed Ounkar Kaur with her presentation ‘Changing Times and Evolving Cultures’ a course that evolved from her MSc research.  As an Asian psychotherapist, Ounkar has extensive experience of working with patients from Black and Minority Ethnic communities for various agencies.  Ounkar is a Member of the Severnside Institute for psychotherapy and an Accredited Race Equality Trainer as well as having a private practice in Bristol. 

In a change to the usual TAP practice.  Ounkar invited the audience to sit in an intimate circle and then share with everyone their first names.  This close relationship continued later when the audience worked in pairs to discuss experiences connected with differences and cultures. 

Speaking quite candidly, Ounkar recounted how she became aware of the variety of differences in her life when she was younger, especially her days at secondary school and the distress she felt when her name was deliberately mispronounced by her classmates and sometimes also by a teacher. This cruel act by the teacher, Ounkar felt, gave mandate to other students to do the same.

The basis of Ounkar’s TAP presentation is the course that she runs in Bristol which is an opportunity for learning about and processing difference.  It allows the attendee to deepen their awareness of difference through one’s own internal responses to it.  It also includes ongoing explorations and discussions about the dynamics in intercultural relationships and situations, especially where there is a lack of understanding which can easily hinder communication. 

It is hoped that at some point in the future the course will be brought to Taunton. In the meantime, see HERE and HERE for details of Ounkar's 8 week course and taster sessions, with further information from Ounkar HERE.

Ounkar received a very warm round of applause and many personal expressions of thanks from a clearly delighted TAP members at the conclusion of her talk. 

The next TAP Talk will take place on 16 February when Dr Rachel Freeth will talk on `Clients taking psychiatric medication`.  All are welcome.        

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