In our first post, we looked at the role of relationship between therapist and client in finding a good match. This post will explore another important facet of determining goodness of fit with a therapist: culture.
The Role of Culture
Culture is a broad, multifaceted term. Often when people speak of culture, they are referring to aspects of identity including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, abilities, or age. There are too many facets of culture to explore fully in a short blog post, and yet it is a vital part of figuring out the goodness of fit with a therapist- as articles like this one discuss.
You may have come across terms such as “cultural competence” or “cultural humility” in exploring topics related to finding a therapist. While no therapist- and no person, for that matter- can be an expert in all cultures, it’s important that therapists have proficiency in understanding the impact of culture and identity on their clients. This includes not only the ability to relate to their client’s experiences, but also the ability to recognize when they lack a good understanding of needs related to a client’s cultural background. Therapists need to be able to engage in meaningful discussion about these similarities and differences and the impact on the therapeutic connection, or they can inflict harm on the people they intend to help.
How do you determine goodness of fit as it relates to culture? When meeting with potential therapists, some things to keep in mind include:
What role does my cultural background and experience play in the reasons I’m seeking support? What would my therapist need to understand to effectively help me?
Do I feel a sense of confidence that this therapist would be able and willing to do the work needed to understand me and my needs in relation to culture?
Does this therapist put the importance of culture in the room? Do I see myself reflected in their environment, or do I feel excluded? Do they use language that’s inclusive in both the way they speak and in their written materials (for example, their intake forms)?
Does the therapist address matters of culture with me- both in ways we are similar and dissimilar- in a way that feels comfortable?
For instance, imagine you are a person of color seeking a therapist who recognizes the significance of race and culture in relation to mental health. During your consultation, you inquire about the therapist's approach to working with clients from diverse backgrounds. If the therapist acknowledges the value of cultural competence and expresses willingness to explore how your cultural background might influence your therapy, this indicates a positive indication of a good fit. On the other hand, if the therapist appears dismissive or lacks awareness regarding the ways in which your cultural background can shape your experiences, this suggests that they may not be the most suitable choice for you.
As another example, imagine you are a same-sex couple seeking support in navigating a family situation, and you come across an intake form that asks for the names of the "husband" and "wife" or "mother" and "father." This language can indicate a lack of awareness, training, or experience in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, potentially giving the impression that this therapist might not be the best fit for your family. However, if the therapist's paperwork utilizes gender-neutral language or avoids assuming specific roles, such as using terms like "partner" or "caregiver," it may demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. This might foster a sense of validation and support for your individual circumstances.
Besides the roles of relationship and culture, an important part of determining whether a therapist is the right fit for you is understanding the role of practice approach. In the next post in this series, we'll look at what that means, and how to decide whether a therapist's approach is right for you.