Does My Therapist Need To Be Of The Same Ethnicity As Me?

How can cultural competency be applied in practice?

Azhar said that while having a mental health professional from the same background can provide “inherent understanding and comfort” for some clients, it’s not always necessary or practical. 

She says what’s most important to consider when choosing a mental health professional are the following factors, meaning your therapist:

— “Understands and respects cultural differences, 

— Is willing to learn about the client’s cultural context,

— Is skilled in adapting therapeutic approaches to meet cultural needs,

— Has the capacity to create a culturally safe environment,

— Recognises when to seek cultural consultation or supervision.”