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Cultural competence is a cornerstone of effective counseling practice. It plays a critical role in establishing a healthy therapeutic alliance and providing effective services tailored to the client’s needs.

Cultural competency is ingrained in the development of the professional identity of counselors-in-training during their academic journey. Many graduate counseling programs have developed curricula that provide opportunities for counselors-in-training to understand the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies. However, cultural competence extends beyond academic knowledge and requires a lifelong commitment to learning and self-reflection.

We must move beyond surface-level understanding and delve deeper into the nuances of diverse cultures. This involves not only learning about cultural history, values and beliefs but also recognizing the impact of systemic factors, such as power dynamics, privilege and oppression. It also requires active listening, empathy and a willingness to learn from clients.

Journey to Cultural Competency

Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with trust and understanding fosters a safe environment for the client. Demonstrating cultural competency can be an effective approach to fostering a healthy therapeutic relationship.

So what does demonstrating cultural competency mean?

The response to this question can be a lifelong journey to self-awareness of how our own cultural background, story and past shape our perceptions of the present and future. On this journey, we can mindfully identify the stereotypes we have developed consciously or subconsciously and challenge them in our day-to-day encounters. We can intentionally reflect on our interaction with others, identify cultural misunderstandings or biases, and acknowledge them.

Adopting a Local Perspective

Learning about diverse cultures is not easy. Sometimes, we fail to understand or lack understanding of the elements of our culture. When we reflect on our experience across various cultures, we might adopt a perspective about a culture through a touristic lens and focus on superficial aspects of a place — prioritizing popular attractions, convenience and safety. By embracing a local perspective rather than a tourist perspective, we can gain a more authentic understanding of our clients’ experiences.

For example, were we given the opportunity to live as locals, we might experience traffic congestion and public transportation problems, seasonal weather extremes such as heat waves or blizzards, challenges finding affordable housing and healthcare, and local political and social issues.

Sometimes we might adopt a touristic perspective when we encounter clients from diverse backgrounds. We might focus on the biopsychosocial and spiritual elements that are available on the surface and develop case conceptualization and treatment plans based on this information.

However, a local perspective often focuses on the everyday realities of life in a place, including the challenges, frustrations and joys. It highlights the complexities of living in a specific community and the unique experiences of its residents.

We can learn to adopt this local perspective to gain knowledge about the history, values, beliefs and customs of diverse cultures. We can be aware of how cultural factors may influence communication styles, nonverbal cues and help-seeking behaviors. We can also acknowledge and respect the unique cultural identities of our clients. Adopting a local perspective in the therapeutic process requires counselors to intentionally create a safe, trusting environment.

Becoming Street Smart

Businessman Harvey Mackay says, “You learn how to be book smart in school, but you better not forget that you need to also be street smart.”

Here are some ways to develop cultural competency beyond the classroom:  

• Seek diverse experiences and engage with people and communities you have not interacted with before.
• Get involved with local charities, nonprofits or community groups that work with diverse population groups.
• Attend local cultural events and festivals to experience diverse cultures through food, music, dance and art.
• Have discussions with people from diverse backgrounds.
• If possible, participate in a program that offers opportunities to live and learn in a foreign culture.

Remember, the key is to be open-minded, curious and respectful of others. By seeking out diverse experiences, you can broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, develop a deeper understanding of the world and, lastly, become street smart. By cultivating cultural humility and practicing cultural responsiveness, we can create a safe, trusting environment for clients from diverse backgrounds.