Navigating life's challenges can be difficult, and navigating them while maintaining a cultural identity can make it even more complex. 

Cultural affirming therapy is a type of therapy that helps individuals understand, grow, and embrace their culture to manage their mental health better. This type of therapy is not only important for individuals from minority backgrounds, but it also provides an advantage to anyone who is seeking emotional support and understanding. 

Let’s dive into why culturally affirming therapy is essential and how it can help you create healing and growth.

What is culturally affirming therapy?

Culturally affirming therapy, also known as cultural competency in therapy, considers each individual client's unique cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

This type of therapy seeks to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their cultural experiences and beliefs without fear of judgment or discrimination.

In a culturally-affirming therapy setting, the therapist is trained to understand and respect the client's cultural values, beliefs, and customs and to use this knowledge to inform their therapeutic approach. This may involve incorporating elements of the client's culture into the therapy, such as using traditional healing practices or incorporating culturally-specific rituals into the therapeutic process.

The goal of culturally-affirming therapy is to help clients feel understood, validated, and supported in their cultural identities and empower them to draw on their cultural strengths and resources to overcome challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. 

This type of therapy can be especially beneficial for clients who have experienced cultural discrimination or marginalization and may have felt misunderstood or unsupported by mainstream therapy approaches.

The importance of feeling seen and heard in therapy 

Finding a therapist who shares identities with you can be incredibly validating, as it allows you to feel seen, heard, and understood. 

By recognizing parts of your cultural context, this shared understanding can build trust and strengthen the relationship between you and your therapist, helping to facilitate a more profound healing journey. 

At times, it also takes away some of the pressure of having to educate your therapist on various cultural aspects of your world.

Although sharing identities may make it easier to engage in therapy, it is not necessarily guarantee that your therapist will understand you in all the ways you need. It takes ongoing practice and training for therapists to consciously relate to clients as unique individuals with intersectional identities.

Why culturally affirming therapy is important

In a world where many individuals face discrimination and marginalization based on their cultural identities, it is crucial for therapy to be inclusive and supportive of all clients, regardless of their background.

Culturally affirming therapy also acknowledges that cultural experiences and beliefs can significantly impact a person's mental health and well-being. By taking these factors into account, therapists can provide more tailored, effective, and relevant support to their clients. 

This can help clients feel more understood and supported in their cultural identities and improve therapeutic outcomes.

In addition, culturally-affirming therapy can help to break down barriers and promote greater understanding and empathy between individuals of different cultural backgrounds. By creating a safe and inclusive space for clients to share their experiences and beliefs, therapists can help to foster greater cultural awareness and understanding within the therapy setting and beyond.

What to expect from culturally affirming therapy sessions 

A therapist who is trained in culturally-affirming therapy may incorporate elements of the client's culture into the therapeutic process. For example, the therapist may use traditional healing practices or incorporate culturally-specific rituals into the therapy.

They may also use language and terminology that is familiar and comfortable for the client. For example, if the client speaks a language other than English, the therapist may use a translator or may use bilingual therapy techniques to communicate with the client in their preferred language.

Considering the client's cultural beliefs and values when developing the therapeutic plan is also important. By doing this, the therapist can ensure that the treatment approach is appropriate for the client and will be respectful of their cultural background.

Culturally affirming therapy sessions should also prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients to share their thoughts and feelings without judgment or assumptions about their culture or identity.

To foster an open and accepting atmosphere, it is important to create a space that reflects the client's culture and to actively listen with understanding. By providing validation of clients' experiences, therapists give them permission to express their perspectives freely.

How to find a therapist that is the right fit for you 

Finding a culturally competent therapist can be an important part of creating meaningful healing and growth. When looking for a therapist, it is important to make sure that they have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

It is also beneficial to ask about their approach to culturally affirming therapy and what techniques they use to make the process as supportive and respectful as possible.

Additionally, research into cultural support networks in your area can help you find qualified, culturally affirming therapists who understand and respect your unique identity.

For those living in California, Paper Cranes Counseling offers therapy with a focus on addressing issues of cultural identity, social justice, and intersectionality.

We believe that all people have the right to feel understood and respected in their therapeutic process, no matter their cultural background. We strive to provide quality care and support that is tailored to our clients’ needs and experiences. If you’re considering therapy, contact us to book a free consultation. 

Shavonne James, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a private group practice connecting wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic, care. They have openings for individuals that are working through matters of identity, interpersonal relationships, and the inner child. Contact them at www.papercranescounseling.com