Although finding a therapist can be a bit difficult, finding one also Understanding your background and culture can be an additional obstacle. A good therapist fit is the single most important factor in your treatment, so finding a culturally qualified therapist has long been a goal for those seeking therapy from a variety of backgrounds. Several races, ethnicities, or other identities are looking for the best therapist for them.
However, the argument has been made that simply being culturally competent may not be enough. Cultural modesty, emerging as the fancy term, goes beyond competence. So what is the difference between cultural competence and cultural humility and which is more important?
What is cultural competence?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines cultural competence as “behaviors, attitudes, and skills that enable health care providers to work effectively with diverse cultural groups”. It basically means that if your therapist or coach has a different background or identity than yours, they can try to learn about your background, identity and culture to provide give you proper care.
However, the problem with cultural competence stems from the implication that one can “gain” competence in another culture – and be content to stop there. It can be interpreted as having just enough knowledge about another culture that you are merely competent and implies that cultures are monolithic or unchanged, which is not true. real. Knowing about one community does not make us culturally competent for all communities. In addition, communities are dynamic and change over time.
Some people argue that cultural competence is impossible (there is no way to become competent in another culture because you don’t have that life experience) or simply being competent is not enough. .
For some, cultural modesty can be both a better term and a better purpose while for others the concepts are not/or but both/ and — one should strive for both cultural competence and cultural humility.
So what is a culture of modesty?
The culture of modesty is a lifelong process of reflection and inquiry that involves self-awareness of personal and cultural biases as well as awareness and sensitivity to other people’s important cultural issues. Ideas about modest comes from the fact that it is not advisable to focus on competence or confidence and realize that the more exposure someone has to cultures other than their own, the more often they will recognize them . do not know about others.
In a 1998 paper Dr. Melanie Tervalon and Dr. Jann Murray-García propose not only to distinguish cultural competence from cultural modesty, but based much of the discussion on cultural competence versus cultural modesty, Progress Dr. Melanie Tervalon and Dr. Jann Murray-García suggest not only to distinguish cultural competence from cultural humility, but cultural humility as a more appropriate goal than cultural competence. . Surname identified three points that describe cultural modesty:
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A lifelong commitment to self-assessment and self-criticism: People never get to a point where they have finished studying. Therefore, people must be humble, flexible, bold to look at themselves seriously and eager to learn more.
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The desire to correct an imbalance of power that should not exist: Realize that each person offers something different and see the value of each. When practitioners interview clients, clients are experts in their own lives, symptoms, and strengths. While the therapist has knowledge that the client does not have, the client also has knowledge and understanding that is outside the scope of the practitioner. Both must cooperate and learn from each other for the best results.
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Desire to develop partnerships with people and groups that advocate for others: While individuals can create positive change, communities and groups can also have a profound impact on systems. We personally cannot commit to self-assessing and redressing power imbalances without campaigning within the larger organizations in which we participate. Cultural modesty is, by definition, bigger than our individual selves — we have to support it systematically.
Why is it important to have a culturally competent or culturally modest healthcare provider?
As the world becomes more and more diverse and multicultural, Health care providers have been encouraged to be aware of cultural differences and their impact on health.
Your culture can play a huge part in:
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your mental and physical health
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What are your views on mental health treatment?
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how you communicate your needs to your health care providers
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how you interpret communications from your health care providers
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how you can be treated by health care providers
The National Association of Social Workers even highlights the importance of cultural competence and cultural humility in Ethical Rules. Social workers should:
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Demonstrate an understanding of culture and its function in human and social behavior, acknowledging the strengths that exist in all cultures.
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Demonstrate hands-on instruction knowledge with clients of different cultures and can demonstrate skills in delivering culturally informed services to empower individuals and groups marginalized, while taking action against oppression, racism, discrimination and inequality as well as acknowledging their individual privileges.
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Demonstrate cultural awareness and humility by engaging in critical self-reflection, recognizing clients as experts of their cultures, committing to lifelong learning, and organizing organizations responsible for promoting humility in the culture.
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Be educated and demonstrate an understanding of the nature of diversity and social oppression with regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, identity or expression show gender, age, marital status, political beliefs, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability.
An uncommitted therapist or coach with components of a culture of humility — a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and self-criticism, a desire to correct power imbalances, and a desire to develop a sense of belonging. partnerships with people and groups that advocate for others — may not have the mindset to provide the best possible care for someone in a different situation.
How can I find a therapist or coach who is culturally competent and/or culturally humble?
Again, a good fit with your therapist or trainer is the single most important factor in the success of your care, so finding the right person for you is key (co-op). time note that Your own needs may change over time, and the right therapist or coach for you right now may not be the best fit for you — and that’s okay!). The best course of action is to do some reflection on what’s important to you and then some research by drawing on your community and other resources like:
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Word of mouth and recommendations from friends, loved ones, and others in your community.
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Agencies or organizations that build community and serve people with your identity or cultural background have a directory or can connect you with the right therapists.
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Your potential therapist or coach’s websites and social media profiles. Do they use cultural language and imagery? Do they have any statements or testimonies on their website about their success with people of different backgrounds and identities? Just as you might research a potential employer, research the public profile of your potential therapist or coach.
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Matching services like MyWellbeing will ask about topics you’d like to explore, such as race-related stress, immigration, cultural competence, emotional crisis and transition, and social justice association and trauma. We also ask about your therapist’s preferred identity, including their gender, and whether they identify as a person of color or LGBTQIA +and we ask you to rate the importance of these factors in your search.
Whether we’re talking about cultural competence or cultural humility, there are a few questions you can ask your therapist or coach to see if they’re right for you:
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Do you have experience dealing with people with my identity or cultural background?
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What training have you received in cultural competence and what are your thoughts on cultural humility?
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Are you familiar with my culture’s attitude toward mental health treatment?
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Are you willing to learn about aspects of my culture and identity that you are not familiar with?
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How will you include my identity, race, age, religion, gender, etc. in my care and treatment plan?
Remember that it is not your responsibility to teach your therapist — they have a unique responsibility to be culturally competent, culturally humble, and understanding of different cultures and identities.
“Culturally competent care-giving therapists will have a continuum of developing awareness and knowledge of evolving racial and ethnic identities, strengths and values. cultural values, as well as experiences with stigma, prejudice and discrimination,” says Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, a New York City therapist and MyWellbeing community member. “It is through this process that we are able to modify and tailor our clinical interventions so that they are culturally sensitive for our clients.”
By continually learning and working on cultural competence and incorporating cultural humility as a lifelong practice, your therapist or coach can demonstrate accountability and dedication. their role in recognizing and valuing customer diversity and providing you with the support you deserve.
