Cultural Competency and Diversity

What does “culture” mean? Cultural Competency .

What does “ethnic” mean? Cultural Competency .

How do you define “culture”? Language Dress Food Music Family Religion Values Ritual Mythology Tradition History Iconography Art Tools Techniques Education Role Expectations Etiquette Cultural Competency .

How do you define “culture”? What about Race? Cultural Competency .

Relationship of Race to Culture Race does not equal culture. Although it is used as a means of establishing a division, e.g. African American, Mexican, etc., race is GENETIC – it can’t be changed. Culture is LEARNED. Race is, however, one of many factors that can shape culture. Some of the other factors are: Geography Resources Beliefs, Tradition Health Nutrition Culture affects our perception of race, more than the other way around. Cultural Competency .

Relationship of Race to Culture People of different race can have similar culture. People of different cultures may be the same, racially Equating race with culture is like equating juice with oranges: oranges contain many other things besides juice, and many other things, besides oranges, contain juice. Culture determines the value placed on racial identity Cultural Competency .

Values Constitute one’s belief system about what is good / bad or right / wrong. May change over a person’s developmental course May be different privately that publicly. Strongly affect how a person responds to life events, and how they respond to therapy or treatment. Cultural Competency .

Values (continued) Guide us in decision-making, goal setting, day-to-day living Are different from culture to culture, but also from person to person. Each person interprets their culture differently. Value differences can create obstacles to communication. Stereotypes Preconceptions Profiling Dehumanizing

Prior Assumptions & Prejudice Usually we are unaware of our prejudices They often to untested and unexamined, yet they shape how we act. When providers examine their own biases, they can begin to understand the impact on themselves and others, and can then create new mental models of their clients which will contribute to the quality of their care. Cultural Competency .

Effects of Culture Communication Style Help-Seeking Behavior Verbal & Non-verbal Aggressive / Submissive Cooperative / Adversarial Help-Seeking Behavior Authority Figures Professional Emotional Support System Cultural Competency .

Effects of Culture (cont.) Interpretation of experience. Definition of problems and solutions Perception of helping behaviors Judgment by self or others Expectations Judgment Emotional Comfort Satisfaction Not the only determinant of identify and behavior. Cultural Competency .

What is Cultural Competence? Willingness and ability to VALUE culture in the delivery of services Preventing biases or other culture factors from OBSTRUCTING therapeutic process. Valuing differences and responding to diversity of clients and staff Integrating cross-cultural attitudes, beliefs and practices into treatment methods Continuing development and promotion of culturally responsive skills in clinical practice. Cultural Competency .

When Do You Have It? You don’t get it by accident: it results from caring and commitment to meeting the needs of clients It’s not an event – it’s a never ending process. Occurs when you: Respect differences; Have high esteem for culture; Pay attention to the dynamics of difference; Seek to expand your knowledge of cultures and their resources Have understanding of the social reality / daily life of people of different culture. Cultural Competency .

Developing Cultural Sensitivity Know how your own values, assumptions, and biases color your interpretation of client issues. Recognize that cultures are not homogenous – avoid stereotyping or profiling Recognize strengths within cultures, and harness them therapeutically. Be open to experiencing and learning about other cultures, and about culture as a phenomenon. Be aware of culturally responsive social and community resources to which a client may be referred. Cultural Competency .

Seek Out Information Ask the client, their family, or others involved with their treatment. Be candid and respectful. Research the literature Attend seminars, workshops, and forums Engage with community activities Consult with other professionals Learn by engaging with and cherishing YOUR OWN cultural heritage. Cultural Competency .

Knowing Yourself Attitudes & Beliefs Knowledge Limitations Experiences Values Biases Knowledge Heritage / History Effects of bias Culture as a therapeutic resource Culture as support system Limitations Lack of Knowledge Prejudices Misconceptions Continual Self-Assessment Unconditional Positive Regard Ethical Implications Professional Growth and Enrichment Client’s Rights Cultural Competency .

Accepting Others Every person, regardless of culture, has strengths and weaknesses We empower our clients, when we identify their cultural strengths, and make use of them to facilitate their therapeutic process. Cultural Competency .

Accepting Others It is not our place to expect people to change their values to those which fit with our belief system. Even though it may be necessary for them to change their values, if those values impede their progress toward the goals that they have identified as important, our responsibility is to support that process, not control it. Cultural Competency .

Cultural Competency Practices Understanding of characteristics of therapy (culture bound, class bound, monolingual) and how they may clash across cultures. Awareness of institutional barriers, potential bias in assessment tools. Knowledge of relevant discriminatory practices at the social and community level. Cultural Competency .

Culturally Skilled Counselors Engage in a variety of verbal and non-verbal helping responses. Are not adverse to seeking consultation with traditional / spiritual healers, or other cross-cultural resources. Actively seek training / education / experiences with culturally divergent individuals outside of the treatment setting. Cultural Competency .

Most Importantly Culturally skilled counselors: Are able to recognize their own biases that would negatively impact the treatment process Seek consultation Make referral to other resources Are able to CELEBRATE the differences in all individuals Cultural Competency .

The End