What should you look for in a culturally responsive therapist?

When looking for a therapist for multicultural communities, it is important to find someone who is culturally sensitive and aware of the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with varied cultural identities. We know that the strongest predictor of success in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, which helps generate empathy and understanding. This comes into play when we seek out a professional with whom we may have some overlap in identities. The following qualities in a multicultural therapist would be ideal:

1. Cultural competence: A counsellor who understands and is knowledgeable about different cultures and has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

2. Understanding of intersectionality: Someone who is familiar with the unique experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalised communities.

3. Awareness of cultural differences: A therapist who is aware of and sensitive to cultural differences in communication styles, attitudes towards mental health, and experiences of discrimination and prejudice.

4. Ability to address cultural specific concerns: A practitioner who is able to address specific cultural concerns such as acculturation, identity, and discrimination.

5. Bilingual or multilingual: A counsellor who speaks multiple languages may be more accessible to individuals who may not speak English.

6. Empathy and non-judgment: Of course, these are non-negotiable no matter what kind of therapist you see! A therapist who is empathetic, non-judgmental, and able to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their experiences and emotions without being held back by shame or thoughts of how they might be perceived. 

7. Flexible approach: A counsellor who is able to tailor their approach to meet the needs of the individual and their culture. While this sounds like something every therapist does, from a culturally responsive perspective this may look like checking in with clients during important dates that matter to their culture, or having a safety plan that takes into consideration their particular family dynamics. 

It is important to remember that finding a culturally competent therapist who is a good fit for you is a process and it may take time to find the right one. Don't hesitate to interview multiple professionals before finding the best fit. And know that you are allowed to check in and have a conversation about these ideas at any point in time with your therapist!