In this article, we explore how racial and cultural differences come into play between a therapist and client in a counseling session, and how those differences are bridged. Samaritan’s African American therapists, Jennifer Edmonds, Lynda Bradley, and Kesha Brake, share their insights and experiences on this topic.
What experiences have you had where race and cultural differences played a role in counseling a client?
Jennifer: I have counseled numerous individuals of many different races and ethnicities. For the most part, clients are respectful of racial and cultural differences and have not shown that my race was a barrier. However, I have done therapy with individuals who were known to have racial prejudices. One example: I had a client who, in the past, had brutally assaulted individuals of non-Caucasian race, but I treated the therapeutic experience as a place to identify and address prejudice in overcoming racial stereotypes. I pride myself on creating an emotionally safe place for these conversations. As a seasoned therapist, I can confidently approach these difficult, uncomfortable conversations, allowing the client to move past their preconceived belief systems. I have also been recommended to clients seeking an African American therapist because of the comfort of sharing a common cultural background and race.
Lynda: Being an African American woman has provided opportunities throughout my life to educate individuals from predominate US culture through my life experiences. Many of these opportunities created understanding that resulted in better relationships.
Culture influences how people express emotions, describe symptoms, and understand mental health. Being culturally aware helps professionals communicate effectively, minimizing misunderstandings. Clients are more likely to open up and feel understood when their cultural values, beliefs, and practices are acknowledged and respected. This builds a strong therapeutic alliance.
Effective treatment often requires tailoring interventions to align with a client's cultural background. A culturally aware professional can incorporate culturally appropriate strategies and resources.
Kesha: Throughout my career, racial and cultural differences have played a major role with clients. As an African American and a woman, I am able to connect with others not only when it comes to my race but also feeling marginalized. Being an African American woman helps me to have a deeper connection with my clients because it helps me to, ‘see the other side,’ of certain societal norms. However, every person and his or her experiences are different even if they appear similar. For example, I would have a higher chance of sharing a similar perspective or experience with a client who is also an African American woman. However, there could and/or would be differences in our shared experiences.
What insights do you have on bridging racial and cultural differences?
Jennifer: Some African American clients feel that a Caucasian therapist who has had training in cultural diversity and/or multi-cultural therapy still may not have the level of understanding that an African American therapist has, as they do not have the same history or have not faced the same personal challenges. I believe this has a lot to do with our race being leery of the counseling profession and the world of medicine as a whole. Medical professionals have taken advantage of and used black people throughout our history.
I try to bring insight by modeling an open-mindedness to these discussions, a sensitivity to their perspective, and a willingness to clarify and break through these prejudices together. We all have biases and prejudices. It is our professional responsibility to question where they originate and address them accordingly for the betterment of our clients.
Lynda: Listen, ask questions, and don’t evaluate someone else’s experiences by comparing them to yours.
Kesha: I often remind myself not to jump to conclusions or assume I know a client's story or experience. It is important to have this understanding with all clients. However, when I am able to connect to a client by race or cultural difference, I have to be more mindful to take a step back and listen and see their world from their experience.
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