Culturally Sensitive Therapists in View Park, CA
![Photo of Kellee M Kemp, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/489b956f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kellee M Kemp
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
View Park, CA 90043
I get it. Deciding to go to therapy can be a tough decision. We’ve become conditioned to believe that therapy is for “other people” and just not for us. Often times, we were not provided the tools we needed to handle our emotions which can leave us feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious and alone. I encourage you to take the time to emotionally invest in yourself so that you can nurture happy, healthy relationships with yourself and those close to you.
I get it. Deciding to go to therapy can be a tough decision. We’ve become conditioned to believe that therapy is for “other people” and just not for us. Often times, we were not provided the tools we needed to handle our emotions which can leave us feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious and alone. I encourage you to take the time to emotionally invest in yourself so that you can nurture happy, healthy relationships with yourself and those close to you.
![Photo of Sheila Smith, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ada8533d-e572-4c8f-abcb-5a75248eb565/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am Sheila Smith; I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000. I genuinely enjoy listening to people's experiences. I learn so much from my clients. I can work with just about anyone, but I especially like young people and the elderly population. My approach to therapy may appear casual, and I hope my clients feel relaxed and comfortable when we're together. I will work with my clients to figure out what will work best for them. I am direct but gentle. I listen much more than I speak in sessions. I work at understanding their lives from their point of view. My clients feel safe and heard with me.
Hello, I am Sheila Smith; I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000. I genuinely enjoy listening to people's experiences. I learn so much from my clients. I can work with just about anyone, but I especially like young people and the elderly population. My approach to therapy may appear casual, and I hope my clients feel relaxed and comfortable when we're together. I will work with my clients to figure out what will work best for them. I am direct but gentle. I listen much more than I speak in sessions. I work at understanding their lives from their point of view. My clients feel safe and heard with me.
![Photo of Noele Clayton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33b6d1c1-e017-43c8-b337-fd3b0e6f8027/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a client-centered therapist who borrows from various treatment modalities depending on the client's needs. I meet you where you are in your journey as you are the expert on your life. My specialty is with mood issues, the LGBTQ+ population, and trauma, but I have a lot of experience with many other issues as well. It would be lovely to meet you!
I am a client-centered therapist who borrows from various treatment modalities depending on the client's needs. I meet you where you are in your journey as you are the expert on your life. My specialty is with mood issues, the LGBTQ+ population, and trauma, but I have a lot of experience with many other issues as well. It would be lovely to meet you!
![Photo of Jaha Higgs, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/61a30279-519e-4cc4-b22e-c35cf2fb5980/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been successful in supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, creativity, cultural issues, and racial trauma. I work with clients from all paths of life, including, artists/ creatives, adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am committed to being a part of the collective effort to make mental health services more accessible for marginalized communities; therefore, I especially welcome clients who are Black, Indigenous, or who are of color.
I have been successful in supporting clients facing challenges such as, depression, anxiety, life transition, difficulties with work, family conflict, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, loss and grief, creativity, cultural issues, and racial trauma. I work with clients from all paths of life, including, artists/ creatives, adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am committed to being a part of the collective effort to make mental health services more accessible for marginalized communities; therefore, I especially welcome clients who are Black, Indigenous, or who are of color.
![Photo of Bonita Russell - Bonita Russell, LMFT Encouraged Soul Therapy , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4553d82f-0e0c-4a0d-956e-1ceb0c6e7709/6/320x400.jpeg)
Bonita Russell, LMFT Encouraged Soul Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
View Park, CA 90043 (Online Only)
FREE Consultation! Accepting NEW Clients! Offering Virtual Therapy to Clients Across the State of California. Are you stressed from comparing yourself to others or striving to be the "perfect mom?” Do you carry guilt or shame from having a child with mental health or special needs condition? Are you wondering if you can include your Christian faith in therapy? Do you care for an aging loved one or maybe your grandchild and you are overwhelmed? I can help by creating a safe space for you to address your concerns, heal, and find better ways to manage your life. You don't have to do this alone. Let’s connect for a FREE Consultation!
FREE Consultation! Accepting NEW Clients! Offering Virtual Therapy to Clients Across the State of California. Are you stressed from comparing yourself to others or striving to be the "perfect mom?” Do you carry guilt or shame from having a child with mental health or special needs condition? Are you wondering if you can include your Christian faith in therapy? Do you care for an aging loved one or maybe your grandchild and you are overwhelmed? I can help by creating a safe space for you to address your concerns, heal, and find better ways to manage your life. You don't have to do this alone. Let’s connect for a FREE Consultation!
![Photo of Kristin Michelle Howard, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0c8e3f7-0f50-4709-8c0a-2f7440ac649b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Michelle Howard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
View Park, CA 90043 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you stuck in a rut, going through a difficult life transition, or just not feeling like yourself? Life is not a linear process and comes with ups and downs that can cause us to experience difficult emotions. Sometimes we need guidance in finding our center again, getting back to who we authentically are, and finding what brings us fulfillment. Kristin Howard is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the Los Angeles area, and is here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Are you stuck in a rut, going through a difficult life transition, or just not feeling like yourself? Life is not a linear process and comes with ups and downs that can cause us to experience difficult emotions. Sometimes we need guidance in finding our center again, getting back to who we authentically are, and finding what brings us fulfillment. Kristin Howard is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the Los Angeles area, and is here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jeshurun Joseph, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29a47931-c9b6-4376-8208-f88b3df021ef/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jeshurun Joseph
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90008
I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you in achieving holistic emotional wellness through a culturally sensitive, client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-focused framework.
My client-centered approach to therapy places my clients at the forefront of their own healing journey as I guide and support each one of them. I believe that individuals are the experts of their lives and that my role is to provide a safe and nurturing space for growth. My goal is to assist in identifying strengths and inherent characteristics to fuel resiliency in each client. Clients are coached to understand that decisions made, relationships entered into, and responses to triggers are integral in the healing process by recognizing that trauma in its many forms impacts engagement in repetitive and/or negative behaviors.
I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you in achieving holistic emotional wellness through a culturally sensitive, client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-focused framework.
My client-centered approach to therapy places my clients at the forefront of their own healing journey as I guide and support each one of them. I believe that individuals are the experts of their lives and that my role is to provide a safe and nurturing space for growth. My goal is to assist in identifying strengths and inherent characteristics to fuel resiliency in each client. Clients are coached to understand that decisions made, relationships entered into, and responses to triggers are integral in the healing process by recognizing that trauma in its many forms impacts engagement in repetitive and/or negative behaviors.
![Photo of Esmeralda Saavedra, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91a1c4bf-21a5-47e1-8c78-1ce6e71515a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
My communication style is one of genuine empathy, culturally sensitive, and direct.
Hello, my name is Esmeralda Saavedra and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have over 22 years of experience in assisting individuals, families, and children with PTSD. It would be an honor to work with you and meet you where you are today. My therapeutic application is to hear your story and meet you where you are today. I have a Bowen foundation and I am EMDR trained. Being culturally sensitive as well and intertwining those strengths to develop tools that best meet your needs. It would be an honor to hear your story.
My communication style is one of genuine empathy, culturally sensitive, and direct.
Hello, my name is Esmeralda Saavedra and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have over 22 years of experience in assisting individuals, families, and children with PTSD. It would be an honor to work with you and meet you where you are today. My therapeutic application is to hear your story and meet you where you are today. I have a Bowen foundation and I am EMDR trained. Being culturally sensitive as well and intertwining those strengths to develop tools that best meet your needs. It would be an honor to hear your story.
![Photo of Charlene Terry, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa0edf00-7274-4d56-b745-2b7343136591/2/320x400.jpeg)
Charlene Terry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Baldwin Hills, CA 90008 (Online Only)
I use a holistic, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach, centered on your individual needs.
Feeling like you must always be the strong one is exhausting! You're sick and tired of being the "go-to" person who has no one to "go-to." When burdened with solving everyone's problems, it's tough to accept that you, too, need support. You associate rest with being weak and unproductive, forcing you to soldier on despite the toll. Anxiety and a nagging internal voice is running the show. You want peace, but chronic stress is disrupting your nervous system. Years spent operating in survival mode has your body sounding an alarm and even though you recognize the need for boundaries, setting them leads to feeling alone and dejected.
I use a holistic, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach, centered on your individual needs.
Feeling like you must always be the strong one is exhausting! You're sick and tired of being the "go-to" person who has no one to "go-to." When burdened with solving everyone's problems, it's tough to accept that you, too, need support. You associate rest with being weak and unproductive, forcing you to soldier on despite the toll. Anxiety and a nagging internal voice is running the show. You want peace, but chronic stress is disrupting your nervous system. Years spent operating in survival mode has your body sounding an alarm and even though you recognize the need for boundaries, setting them leads to feeling alone and dejected.
![Photo of Jacinta Evergreen, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6642bc14-c86a-4fa6-bbf0-e4fc317ccb4e/1/320x400.png)
Jacinta Evergreen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90305 (Online Only)
Are you ready to embark on a journey towards personal growth and empowerment? If you're seeking positive changes and striving to discover your true voice, I'm here to support you every step of the way. With a focus on authenticity and self-empowerment, I specialize in providing culturally sensitive, trauma informed, holistic counseling. My approach is eclectic, drawing from humanistic principles and strength-based techniques, while integrating evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to your unique needs. Together, let's work towards embracing your power, resilience and finding inner peace."
Are you ready to embark on a journey towards personal growth and empowerment? If you're seeking positive changes and striving to discover your true voice, I'm here to support you every step of the way. With a focus on authenticity and self-empowerment, I specialize in providing culturally sensitive, trauma informed, holistic counseling. My approach is eclectic, drawing from humanistic principles and strength-based techniques, while integrating evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to your unique needs. Together, let's work towards embracing your power, resilience and finding inner peace."
![Photo of Pashtana Omar, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/490d5c4b-b3dc-4296-bccd-ed107d65affb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pashtana Omar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90056 (Online Only)
As a Muslim Afghan American therapist, I possess more than 5 years of experience providing support to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes working with underprivileged communities, minorities, and other vulnerable populations who require a culturally aware therapist. My expertise extends to assisting individuals, couples, and families dealing with various clinical conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, marital conflict, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD. In my practice, I prioritize evidence-based approaches and employ a culturally sensitive lens to truly understand each individual's unique needs.
As a Muslim Afghan American therapist, I possess more than 5 years of experience providing support to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes working with underprivileged communities, minorities, and other vulnerable populations who require a culturally aware therapist. My expertise extends to assisting individuals, couples, and families dealing with various clinical conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, marital conflict, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD. In my practice, I prioritize evidence-based approaches and employ a culturally sensitive lens to truly understand each individual's unique needs.
![Photo of Frances Chinchilla, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee896479-6d57-402e-a598-1594613c2df8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Frances Chinchilla
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90016 (Online Only)
I have over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. As a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapist, I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet the needs of my clients. I am Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Problem-Solving Treatment, I am adept at employing evidence-based techniques to foster healing and growth. Additionally, my approach incorporates narrative and psychodynamic interventions, allowing for a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of each individual's unique journey.
I have over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. As a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapist, I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet the needs of my clients. I am Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Problem-Solving Treatment, I am adept at employing evidence-based techniques to foster healing and growth. Additionally, my approach incorporates narrative and psychodynamic interventions, allowing for a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of each individual's unique journey.
![Photo of Nancy Walle, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8295cd27-8a4b-4b7b-ad78-1f8d3f42eec4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Many of us struggle with emotional and mental symptoms and yet do not always quite understand why? Some of us experience a sudden life event that caused us to feel unbearably overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, depressed or irritable moods, yet others have experienced the ups and downs throughout their entire life from childhood and cannot quite understand why they continue to struggle.
Many of us struggle with emotional and mental symptoms and yet do not always quite understand why? Some of us experience a sudden life event that caused us to feel unbearably overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, depressed or irritable moods, yet others have experienced the ups and downs throughout their entire life from childhood and cannot quite understand why they continue to struggle.
![Photo of Maryann Foster, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e445e79-6112-4f4d-8578-9cf46d6bd4ff/2/320x400.png)
I favor an eclectic, person-centered approach that focuses on each individual's needs. I will help you build a "toolbox" of skills to help you with everyday stressors. Together we will also look at the "bigger picture"—your hopes and dreams—and prepare to write the next chapter of your life. My training includes psychoanalytic Intersubjective Self Psychology, which I am passionate about as a guiding star for my practice. I am a compassionate therapist with many years of experience who will be committed to increasing your capacity for mindfulness, resiliency, improved relationships, and overall happiness and vitality.
I favor an eclectic, person-centered approach that focuses on each individual's needs. I will help you build a "toolbox" of skills to help you with everyday stressors. Together we will also look at the "bigger picture"—your hopes and dreams—and prepare to write the next chapter of your life. My training includes psychoanalytic Intersubjective Self Psychology, which I am passionate about as a guiding star for my practice. I am a compassionate therapist with many years of experience who will be committed to increasing your capacity for mindfulness, resiliency, improved relationships, and overall happiness and vitality.
![Photo of Mary Mathew - Beyond Cancer LA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62edff50-83ee-499a-acf6-9620584df108/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a cancer survivor myself, I know first hand how scary the "C" word is. As a result of cancer treatments, often times people develop mild to severe forms of depression, anxiety, "scanxiety," and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people experience symptoms during treatment while others are symptomatic only after they are in full remission. My practice treats fellow warriors and their families that are navigating the cancer process, survivors trying to figure out their “new normal”, individuals in remission for years but are still processing the events that once happened, and those currently experiencing metastasized cancers.
As a cancer survivor myself, I know first hand how scary the "C" word is. As a result of cancer treatments, often times people develop mild to severe forms of depression, anxiety, "scanxiety," and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people experience symptoms during treatment while others are symptomatic only after they are in full remission. My practice treats fellow warriors and their families that are navigating the cancer process, survivors trying to figure out their “new normal”, individuals in remission for years but are still processing the events that once happened, and those currently experiencing metastasized cancers.
![Photo of Denise Marie Williams - Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center , LMFT, LCSW, APCC, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8211de18-8487-46df-aeb7-3fb18efeacc2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90008
If you are an African American/Black or woman of color struggling with life stressors, mental health issues, imposter syndrome, self-esteem, trauma, racism in the workplace, generational trauma, or more, it is time to give Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center a call. We have trained therapists waiting to assist you in your healing journey. We create a safe healing space free of judgment and shame so that you can heal. We are eclectic in our approach as one size does not fit all, we have therapists who specialize in CBT, inner child, Brainspotting, EMDR, and other modalities. Ready to heal, give us a call.
If you are an African American/Black or woman of color struggling with life stressors, mental health issues, imposter syndrome, self-esteem, trauma, racism in the workplace, generational trauma, or more, it is time to give Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center a call. We have trained therapists waiting to assist you in your healing journey. We create a safe healing space free of judgment and shame so that you can heal. We are eclectic in our approach as one size does not fit all, we have therapists who specialize in CBT, inner child, Brainspotting, EMDR, and other modalities. Ready to heal, give us a call.
![Photo of Bipoc L.g.b.t.q.i.a. Plus Identifying Johanna Padilla, MS, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b6c4b7f-6046-44ca-8adf-4d7b32e33c7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bipoc L.g.b.t.q.i.a. Plus Identifying Johanna Padilla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leimert Park, CA 90008 (Online Only)
As a member of BIPOC & LGBTQIA2+, I specialize in supporting the healing of these communities as well as that of activists & health providers. Typical (non-exhaustive) client struggles: sexuality, acculturation stress, land back/indigenous sovereignty, racial trauma, reclaiming/redefining identity, 1st gen stressors, transgender stressors, life transitions, generational stressors/pressures, communication, non-conforming struggles, anxiety, intersectionality, situational depression, self-esteem, cultural dissonance, relationships (monogamous & CNM), kink/alternative lifestyles, self-advocacy, boundaries, and interpersonal issues.
As a member of BIPOC & LGBTQIA2+, I specialize in supporting the healing of these communities as well as that of activists & health providers. Typical (non-exhaustive) client struggles: sexuality, acculturation stress, land back/indigenous sovereignty, racial trauma, reclaiming/redefining identity, 1st gen stressors, transgender stressors, life transitions, generational stressors/pressures, communication, non-conforming struggles, anxiety, intersectionality, situational depression, self-esteem, cultural dissonance, relationships (monogamous & CNM), kink/alternative lifestyles, self-advocacy, boundaries, and interpersonal issues.
![Photo of Valynn Anderson-Kendrick, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5f8df9ff-a960-4c2f-8d69-05d057b8912e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valynn Anderson-Kendrick
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90016 (Online Only)
We each have innate abilities to survive and thrive through the waves of time. To achieve a balanced life by developing ways to tap into your inner strengths and the raw power of speaking what you need out loud. I can help you allow yourself permission to be truly present in life and start the next chapter in your journey.
We each have innate abilities to survive and thrive through the waves of time. To achieve a balanced life by developing ways to tap into your inner strengths and the raw power of speaking what you need out loud. I can help you allow yourself permission to be truly present in life and start the next chapter in your journey.
![Photo of Elisabeth Netjes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d42b1d60-402b-40fb-bb10-2e477c3a8d41/1/320x400.png)
Hi! My name is Elisabeth and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that my job as a therapist is to create a space of safety, comfort, and acceptance. Each person is different which means I will use the approach best fit for your needs as we collaborate on reaching your goals in therapy. While I have experience with most types of clients and backgrounds, I find myself most often working with teens, folks in leadership positions, in the helping professions, and those who have experienced spiritual abuse or religious trauma.
Hi! My name is Elisabeth and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I believe that my job as a therapist is to create a space of safety, comfort, and acceptance. Each person is different which means I will use the approach best fit for your needs as we collaborate on reaching your goals in therapy. While I have experience with most types of clients and backgrounds, I find myself most often working with teens, folks in leadership positions, in the helping professions, and those who have experienced spiritual abuse or religious trauma.
![Photo of LaTanya Tolan - Soul Care for Black Clinicians® Academy, LCSW, MAEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6627106-1a16-43cd-994d-e9e41dc51895/1/320x400.jpeg)
Soul Care for Black Clinicians® Academy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAEd
Verified Verified
Windsor Hills, CA 90056 (Online Only)
Soul Care For Black Clinicians® is specifically dedicated to support the mental health and functioning of Black clinical professionals and ultimately improving the trajectories of Black families and Black communities! We provide individual therapy, family, and couples therapy. Our specialties include primarily the following: depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, career situations, identifying patterns of self-sabotage, coping with grief and loss, working through relationship/family issues, as well as other issues impeding healthy functioning in Black clinical professionals
Soul Care For Black Clinicians® is specifically dedicated to support the mental health and functioning of Black clinical professionals and ultimately improving the trajectories of Black families and Black communities! We provide individual therapy, family, and couples therapy. Our specialties include primarily the following: depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, career situations, identifying patterns of self-sabotage, coping with grief and loss, working through relationship/family issues, as well as other issues impeding healthy functioning in Black clinical professionals
See more therapy options for View Park
Nearby Culturally Sensitive Therapists Searches for View Park
- Baldwin Hills
- Beverly Hills
- Century City
- Culver City
- Hawthorne
- Huntington Park
- Inglewood
- Leimert Park
- Los Angeles
- Marina Del Rey
- Westchester
- Windsor Hills
Culturally Sensitive Therapists
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.