Frequent mistakes made with black patients in psychotherapy

This report reflects some insights derived from a decade of supervising psychiatric residents who engaged in dynamic psychotherapy with black patients. Of major interest was giving particular attention to what was said by black patients while remaining alert to the responses given by the therapist. From these observations some common mistakes have been identified and the conclusion is that rapport between patient and therapist was dependent upon a genuine regard for the patient's race, culture, and life-style.