The Role of Cultural Humility in Therapy.
Greetings! I'm Brittani Williams, LCSW, and I'd like to welcome you to this blog post. My journey as a therapist has been deeply personal, rooted in my relationship with my grandma and the time I spent with her in East Los Angeles. Observing her love and commitment to her city and community taught me that healing occurs within community. My journey has also been influenced by the healing power of Hip Hop culture, one of the few cultures that valued my friend group when our educational system did not. In Hip Hop culture, our voices mattered, and the culture made us feel seen, valued, and important. These two experiences fueled my commitment and goal to integrate the tenants/principles of Hip Hop culture and the power of community into the mental health field. Today, I want to share my insights on the crucial role of cultural humility in therapy, why it matters, and how it can transform the therapeutic experience, especially for BIPOC individuals seeking support.
The Birth of a Vision: Several years ago, I embarked on a journey to open a group practice. As a 4th generation Chicana, I recognized the absence of therapists who truly reflected the diversity of the surrounding communities. I felt driven to change that narrative, to ensure that people seeking therapy would find themselves represented in a team of therapist. This practice wasn't just about providing quality & specialized mental health care; it was also about building a space where people felt comfortable and welcomed walking into our office or logging into a Telehealth session.
We Aren't Blank Slates! Graduate school and clinical training often emphasize the therapist as a blank slate and a neutral presence in the therapeutic relationship, which may lead many BIPOC therapists to believe that they should abandon their identity and cultural background in the therapeutic process. As I pondered this, I realized that although self-disclosure should always be used with discrection, it's also a means of reconnecting with our shared humanity. Reflecting on past therapeutic relationships, it's evident that connections have been built and shame has been dismantled through shared lived experiences, including conversations about food, music, neighborhoods, as well as cultural values, norms, traditions, and challenges. Therapy is not just a clinical encounter; it's a deeply human one. It's a space where stories, experiences, and emotions converge. And in this journey, cultural humility plays a pivotal role.
What is Cultural Humility? Cultural humility is more than cultural competence; it's a consistent state of learning and unlearning. At its core, cultural humility is a commitment to life-long learning and self-evaluation. It is the practice of recognizing and valuing the cultural uniqueness of each individual, acknowledging that each person's experiences are deeply influenced by their cultural background, identity, and history. It's about understanding that the therapist doesn't hold all the answers but works in partnership with the client, acknowledging the expertise that the person brings to their own life.
The Benefits of Culturally Affirming Therapy: Culturally affirming therapy is a powerful approach that offers numerous benefits to individuals seeking mental health support. One of the primary advantages of culturally affirming therapy is that it helps to create a safe and validating space where clients can explore their emotions and experiences without fear of judgment. This approach can also lead to increased trust and rapport between the client and the therapist, which are crucial elements in the therapeutic process. Ultimately, culturally affirming therapy empowers individuals to embrace their identities and cultural backgrounds while working toward improved mental health and well-being. It's a pathway to healing that acknowledges and celebrates the rich tapestry of each individual's life.
10 Indicators of a Culturally Affirming Therapist
Adapts therapy to your cultural needs.
Values and respects your cultural identity.
Seeks to understand your cultural background.
Encourages open dialogue about cultural experiences without judgment.
Is committed to ongoing cultural education & awareness.
Creates an inclusive and culturally affirming environment.
Recognizes and addresses cultural biases.
Welcomes questions and discussions about cultural matters.
Demonstrates flexibility in therapeutic approaches.
Engages in self-reflection regarding cultural humility.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of cultural humility in therapy. If you're seeking culturally affirming therapy, I encourage you to reach out and explore the possibilities of working with our team. Your story, your culture, and your journey are essential, and they deserve to be valued in the therapeutic process!
