You deserve to get the best treatment possible in every way possible. One way to do that is to have a therapist that really understands you – someone that knows the real you, who can help guide you on a deep level.
One issue that can stand in the way of that is culture, in the sense that many people come from backgrounds and cultures that are not quite as well represented within the mental health world. Many of our therapists work very hard on cultural competency, but there are going to be situations where, despite our best efforts, we are unaware of the culture’s unique history and values.
That’s okay. But, as a patient, it is important that you recognizes this as best you can and try to share it with your therapist. Our culture profoundly shapes how we view the world, how we experienced emotions, how we address challenges, and so much more. It affects:
- Family Dynamics
- Coping Mechanisms
- Attitudes Towards Mental Health
It affects expectations in a marriage, how couples communicate, and on and on.
For therapy to be effective, then, it is important that your cultural identity and values are understood and respected. Sharing your culture with your therapist can help create a more personalized and meaningful therapeutic experience. It builds mutual understanding, ensures cultural sensitivity, and helps create a stronger therapeutic relationship.
Preparing to Discuss Your Culture
Many people are unsure how to bring up cultural aspects with their therapist. Preparing for these conversations can make the process easier and more productive. Take a few minutes and try to think about:
- Identifying Key Cultural Values – Reflect on the values, traditions, and beliefs that are most important to you and how they influence your thoughts and behaviors.
- Exploring Cultural Stressors – Think about how cultural challenges, such as discrimination, generational conflicts, or assimilation pressures, impact your mental health.
- Considering Communication Styles – Reflect on how your cultural norms affect how you express emotions or share personal information.
Having a clear idea of what you want to discuss can guide the conversation and ensure your therapist gains a better understanding of your perspective. It can also help give you more insight into yourself in the process, as you’re being forced to reflect on your experiences and background as you begin therapy.
Identifying the Cultural History that Makes You: You
Culture is not only the habits and rules that we live by according to different backgrounds. It is also the culture that is created because of shared experiences. For example, many cultures in the United States have experienced extraordinary trauma, not only here but before their families immigrated. They experienced wars, poverty, and more. Those can create generational traumas that – when combined with culture – affect how parents interact with children, how and women children get married, what divorce is like, how to deal with anxiety/depression, and on and on.
These experiences are part of what shapes you, and it’s worth talking about them. Ideally, you can find a therapist that has experience in your culture. But when that’s not possible, find a therapist that you feel comfortable sharing with and feel free and educate them. Your educating them is not just for their benefit. Through your stories and how you explain them, your therapist will often gain more insight into you as well.