Culturally Sensitive Therapy (also referred to as multicultural counseling, culturally competent therapy, or culturally humble practice) is not a specific technique like CBT or DBT, but rather an overarching ethical framework and lens applied to all clinical practice. It involves the therapist actively integrating a client's cultural background—including race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and ability—into the assessment and treatment process to ensure therapy is relevant, respectful, and effective.

Who Created Culturally Sensitive Therapy?

Culturally Sensitive Therapy emerged primarily from the Multicultural Counseling Movement in the United States, starting in the 1960s and 70s. It wasn't founded by a single person but rather by a collective of scholars and advocates who challenged the traditional, Eurocentric foundations of psychology.

Key figures in establishing its importance and principles include:

• Dr. Derald Wing Sue and Dr. Patricia Arredondo: They were instrumental in developing the Multicultural Counseling Competencies (MCCs), the foundational guidelines for therapist training, which emphasize self-awareness, knowledge of other cultures, and culturally appropriate skills.

• Dr. Eleanor E. S. Dworkin and Dr. David W. Sue: They and others advocated for moving from mere cultural competence (having knowledge) to cultural humility (an ongoing process of self-critique and learning).

The perspective is rooted in the belief that all theories and techniques must be adapted to fit the client's cultural worldview (Sue & Sue, 2013).

Perspectives in Culturally Sensitive Therapy

The Therapist's Perspective

The culturally sensitive therapist adopts a stance of cultural humility and continuous learning. They recognize that their own cultural background, biases, and privileges deeply influence their perceptions and interactions. Their perspective shifts from being a neutral, universal expert to a culturally embedded individual who prioritizes:

• Self-Reflection: Continuously examining their own cultural assumptions and biases.

• Systemic Awareness: Recognizing the impact of oppression, racism, discrimination, and historical trauma(e.g., colonization, microaggressions) on the client's mental health. They view the client's distress as potentially rooted in the environment, not just internal pathology.

• Adaptation: Modifying traditional therapeutic techniques (e.g., adjusting the directness of questioning or the use of self-disclosure) to align with the client's communication style and cultural values (e.g., collectivist vs. individualistic cultures).

The Client's Perspective

The client in culturally sensitive therapy experiences a sense of being seen, understood, and validated in the context of their unique cultural experience. They move from fearing they must hide or explain their identity to a space where their cultural context is central to the healing process.

Key aspects for the client include:

• Validation of Experiences: Their experience of discrimination or systemic barriers is validated as real and contributing to their stress, rather than being pathologized as paranoia or excessive sensitivity.

• Freedom to Express Identity: They are encouraged to discuss cultural factors, religious beliefs, or family expectations without fear of judgment.

• Empowerment: The focus often includes addressing internalized racism or oppression and helping the client navigate multiple identities or challenging cultural conflicts (e.g., conflict between family expectations and individual aspirations).

What to Expect in a Culturally Sensitive Session

Sessions are characterized by deep respect, open dialogue about cultural differences, and active inquiry.

1. Cultural Assessment and Inquiry: Early sessions involve the therapist asking specific, open-ended questions about the client's cultural context, including: "How does your culture or faith view mental health?", "What is your experience of discrimination?", and "What role do your family and community play in your life?"

2. Explicit Discussion of Difference: If the client and therapist have differing backgrounds (e.g., race, religion, sexual orientation), the therapist proactively invites a discussion about how these differences might impact the therapeutic relationship.

3. Collaborative Definition of Health: The therapist works with the client to define what a healthy life looks like within their cultural context, which may prioritize family duty (collectivism) over Western ideals of individual autonomy.

4. Integration of Indigenous/Cultural Healing Practices: The therapist remains open to integrating the client's traditional or spiritual healing practices (e.g., prayer, ceremonies, community support) alongside psychological interventions, rather than dismissing them.

How Culturally Sensitive Therapy Can Help a Person

This approach enhances therapeutic effectiveness by addressing systemic factors and strengthening the therapeutic alliance.

• Reduces Dropout Rates: When clients feel truly understood and validated, they are more likely to stay in therapy and build trust with the provider.

• Validates Non-Pathological Distress: It helps clients recognize that their emotional difficulties may be a normal reaction to an abnormal environment (e.g., racial trauma), shifting focus from a "broken self" to an environment that needs to be navigated.

• Increases Empowerment: It strengthens cultural identity and provides clients with the skills to address both internal psychological struggles and external systemic barriers.

Common Uses and Applications

Since this is an approach and not a technique, it can be applied when working with any client and is particularly crucial when addressing:

• DSM-5 Disorders: Treating all disorders, particularly when cultural factors influence symptom presentation (e.g., culturally specific expressions of distress).

• Racial Trauma and Microaggressions: Healing from the cumulative psychological impact of racism and subtle forms of discrimination.

• Immigration/Acculturation Stress: Helping clients navigate conflicts between their native culture and the host culture.

• Identity Conflicts: Working with LGBTQ+ individuals who face conflict between their sexual or gender identity and religious or familial values.

• Historical Trauma: Addressing the collective and cumulative emotional wounding that occurs across generations (e.g., with Indigenous populations).

Ready for Therapy That Truly Sees You?

You deserve a space where your entire identity—your culture, background, and unique worldview—is central to your healing journey.

Book with a therapist committed to the ethical, validating, and effective practice of Culturally Sensitive Therapy.