The Ins and Outs of Culturally-Sensitive Therapy and Why Representation Matters
If the term “culturally-sensitive therapy” is new for you, you’re in the right place. Today we’re talking about what this relatively new therapy approach is and why it matters. With the implementation of culturally sensitive therapy also comes the need for more diversity in the mental health professional world, and we’re talking about why that matters.
What is culturally-sensitive therapy?
Culturally-sensitive therapy is an approach that focuses on mental health professionals having an understanding of a client's background and belief systems and how this relates and impacts them like their race, sexuality, gender, religion, ethnicity, anything that is part of the clients sense of self, culture, and identity.
By a mental health professional having a competent understanding of what makes their client themselves, they can begin to build cultural sensitivity with their client to better understand them. Cultural sensitivity helps mental health professionals recognize how components of their own culture and identity may differ from their clients and how that might affect their relationship due to these differences, and how to understand, give insight, and respond in reference to a background different from their own. Essentially, it just means understanding there are differences between you and your client, and being aware of them as you help them navigate their journey in therapy.
What makes it different from any other type of therapy, and why is it important?
The main difference is that a mental health professional who doesn’t practice cultural sensitivity will have a harder time giving relevant advice and suggestions to someone who differs from them. They speak from a place that is relevant to their identity, culture, and experiences even though they probably don’t align with their client. They lack the ability to see the differences between themselves and their patient and give a tailored approach that better aligns with their clients identity. This is what makes culturally-sensitive therapy so important, by a mental health professional having the ability to see their client as they are and how they differ from themselves, they give better advice and make their client feel more understood and seen. This means the client gets much more out of a therapy session and creates a stronger connection between them and their mental health professional. This can lead to bigger and more impactful divulgences that help the client make insights and heal faster. They feel more open and seen from the beginning rather than slowly, layer by layer, opening up more as they figure out if they’re in a safe space or not.
What does this have to do with representation in mental healthcare?
While it’s possible for anyone to work on their cultural sensitivity, it’s definitely easier for a culturally non-dominant person to do this in regards to another culturally non-dominant person even if their culture and identity differ. This is because neither party is coming in with a culturally dominant centered background, so it’s easier for them to leave behind more preconceived notions and ideas of identity and culture different from theirs. Also, in general, people feel more comfortable opening up to people who are more likely to understand their struggles, and cultural and racial experiences. This means choosing a mental health professional of color if you’re a patient of color. But, in the United States there’s an extreme lack of mental health professionals of color, meaning there is a huge gap that needs to be filled for people of color seeking therapy. By increasing the amount of mental health professionals of color, there are more options for patients to find the right culturally-sensitive therapist for them. This matters because everyone deserves to feel heard and have the opportunity to resolve trauma and heal. Therapy isn't for one culture or person, it’s for everyone and culturally-sensitive therapy is just one step in the direction of making therapy more inclusive and accessible for everyone,
Are you someone who could benefit from a culturally-sensitive approach in therapy? Book your free consultation with us. You deserve to thrive!