I want to talk to you about a topic that is very close and important to me personally. It is culturally sensitive therapy. If you don’t know what it is, let’s figure it out together.

Culturally sensitive therapy is a type of psychological help that takes into account your cultural, ethnic, religious, gender and other background and heritage. This means that your culturally sensitive therapist understands how your culture affects your perception of yourself, the world, your problems and possible solutions. Your culturally sensitive therapist also respects, values and supports your individuality and uniqueness.

But why is this so important? Why can’t you just turn to any therapist who has a good education and experience? Aren’t all people the same? No, they are not. And it’s wonderful that we are all different, but it also creates some challenges when we are looking for psychological help. Let’s look at some of the benefits of culturally sensitive therapy that I have singled out for you.

1. There is a deep understanding of the problems that you bring to the consultation. When you turn to a culturally sensitive therapist who has a similar or consonant with you cultural background, you can be sure that he or she understands where you are coming from. Your therapist knows what values, norms, traditions, beliefs and expectations shape your life, your relationships, your career, your health and your well-being. Your therapist also knows what problems you may face because of your culture, such as discrimination, stereotypes, conflicts, isolation, adaptation and so on. For example, if you belong to a minority, you may feel misunderstood, unaccepted, rejected or threatened in a society where another culture prevails. You may have difficulties with defining your identity, finding your place, preserving your roots. Your therapist, who has such experience himself, may better understand your emotions, thoughts and needs, as well as help you find your strengths, resources and opportunities.
2. Your thoughts, feelings and experiences will be confirmed. When you turn to a culturally sensitive therapist who respects and values your culture, you can be sure that you will feel safe, comfortable and free to express yourself. Your therapist will not judge, criticize, mock or dismiss you for your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Your culturally sensitive therapist will listen to you with attention, empathy and openness. Your therapist will support you, acknowledge your experiences, validate your emotions, give you feedback and encouragement. This is very important for building trust, alliance and cooperation between you and your therapist. It also helps you to increase your self-esteem, self-respect and self-acceptance. You may feel that you are not alone, that you are not weird, that you are not bad. You may feel that you are worthy, valuable, unique and strong.
3. The context behind your problems is recognized - systemic oppression, trauma, intergenerational transmission, racism, inequality and other forms of injustice and stress factors. When you turn to a culturally sensitive therapist who understands how your culture affects your life, you can be sure that he or she will not ignore, deny or diminish the importance of those factors that create additional difficulties and stress for you. Your therapist will recognize how systemic oppression, trauma, intergenerational transmission, racism, inequality and other forms of injustice and stress factors affect your mental health, your relationships, your self-esteem, your goals and your opportunities.
4. You can be sure that you will build strong therapeutic relationships. When you turn to a culturally sensitive therapist who has a similar or consonant with you cultural background, you can be sure that you will be able to establish a deep, trusting and lasting relationship with him or her. You may feel that you understand each other, that you are on the same wavelength, that you have a common language. You may feel that you are not just a client and a therapist, but partners, friends, like-minded people. This is very important for the effectiveness of therapy, because you will be more open, honest, cooperative and motivated to work on your problems. You will also be more responsible, goal-oriented, persistent and confident in yourself. You will get more satisfaction, benefit and results from therapy.
5. Your culturally sensitive therapist knows when to support you and when to gently challenge you. When you turn to a therapist who understands how your culture affects your life, you can be sure that he or she will not impose their point of view, their values, their decisions on you. Your therapist will respect your choice, your needs and your goals. Your therapist will support you when you need it, but also gently challenge you when it can be helpful. Your therapist will help you expand your perspective, open new possibilities, change negative beliefs, overcome fears, get out of your comfort zone. Your therapist will do this with respect, tact, sensitivity and professionalism. Your therapist will follow your pace, your readiness, your ability to change. Your therapist will consult with you, not order you what to do.

Here, are the benefits of culturally sensitive therapy. I hope you understood why this is so important and valuable for many people, especially for those who belong to minorities, who have experienced trauma, who are looking for their identity, who want to grow and develop. I also hope that you will find a culturally sensitive therapist who suits you, who will help you, who will do you good. I believe that you can find your happiness, your harmony, your strength.