29/06/2023
Have you ever wondered about how your own cultural background impacts your ability to form and maintain a relationship with clients whose background is dissimilar to one's own?
Culture is the vehicle by which we are able and capable of getting to know each other and build vibrant societal relationships.
Cultural and social scripts inform the way we live, from the moment we get out of bed in the morning to the time we switch off the light at night. They influence how we work and relate to others.
In our attempt to get along with other people, we tend to minimise the influence of culture and our lack of cultural knowledge can make us vulnerable to exaggerate cultural differences.
We are all knowingly and unknowingly ethnocentric (preference towards most things our own cultural background) and when we interpret each other’s thoughts, beliefs and behaviours through the narrow prism of our own culture(s), we might miss poignant moments for reflection, dialogue, acknowledgement, inclusion, mutual understanding, seeing things from our client's point of view and creating a culturally safe environment where our clients can be themselves, be vulnerable and where we are equipped to help client's draw on their strengths.
Culturally safe therapists must engage in an ongoing process that requires motivation to improve cultural knowledge of self and others, thinking through and planning in light of cross cultural differences and adapting your therapeutic practice to establish a trusting relationship, being mindful of cross cultural differences in communication, coping strategies, familial systems and cultural values.
To enhance your culturally safe practice, join my monthly supervision group. See details below.
