Navigating Cultural Differences in Marriage - Dr. 'Ofa Hafoka-Kanuch, PhD

In this webinar Dr. Ofa will dive into a discussion on how to approach cultural differences in your relationship, including the following topics: exploring and identifying personal cultural values, recognizing implicit bias, openness to learning about partner’s culture and cultural values, and managing conflict when it arises.  



Time Markers

0:00 – Introduction: Who is Dr. Ofa?  

2:30 – Acknowledgements  

5:12 – Cultural humility  

5:42 – 10 values that shape cultural differences  

6:36 – Reflection exercise  

14:54 – How are emotions expressed within your culture?  

17:43 – What is implicit bias?  

19:50 – Where did your bias come from?  

20:09 – Self-awareness  

22:30 – Be curious, not judgmental  

25:18 – The art of compromise  

27:44 – Discuss the following with your partner 

29:40 – Compromise and collaboration  

31:48 – No culture is perfect, make room for your own traditions  

36:27 – Q&A 

About Dr. Ofa: 

Dr. ‘Ofa Hafoka-Kanuch has a PhD in counseling psychology, working for BYU’s Counseling and Psychological services. Dr. ‘Ofa offers specialized help with multicultural and diversity issues, depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma. She runs a popular Instagram page, @dr.0fa with an aim to destigmatize mental health, help others break unhelpful cycles, and create a life of meaning and purpose. 

Dr. Ofa Links: 

https://balancehealthandhealing.com/author/ofa-hafoka-kanuch/ 

Instagram 

Give Me a Break 

Insights: 

Dr. Ofa: Everyone is going to have implicit bias’s, it is important to become aware of those bias’s and grow from them in a positive way.  

Invites:  

  1. Participate in the activities within the webinar, and write down the way they make you feel  
  2. Discuss with your partner about meeting core needs and how you both can help each other 
  3. Help each person within a relationship to understand why core needs and values are so important to everyone  

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