More than ever, therapists must measure their own competence by their ability to learn, explore, and respect cultural differences.
Culture is a complex and often illusive topic. On a daily basis, behavioral health professionals encounter various cultural issues and have the opportunity to learn about the cultural norms of those with whom they work, either as clients, co-workers or colleagues. Cultural competence does not mean we know everything about culture. Rather it is about learning, exploring, and being respectful of differences.

Through this webinar, participants will have the opportunity to examine the impact of culture and subcultures on therapeutic sessions. They will be offered some thought provoking ideas concerning how to improve their cultural awareness and to examine, with clients, their unique cultural experiences. Discussion will include considerations of cross-cultural communications, cultural influences and cultural issues addressed in the DSM-5.

Course Content

A. Understanding culture
  1. Layers
  2. Definitions and examples
    a. culture
    b. race
    c. ethnic group
    d. subculture
    e. counterculture
B. The Principles of Cultural Competence
  1. Not an authority
  2. Deep respect
  3. Eagerness to learn
  4. Willingness to accept
  5. Ability to respond
C. Activities of Cultural Competence
  1. Skills
  2. Self-assessment
  3. Goals and objectives
  4. Policies
  5. Practices
D. An Attitude of Cultural Humility
  1. The issue of pride
  2. Generalizing
E. Types of Clients
  1. The acculturated
  2. The bi-cultural
  3. The culturally immersed
  4. The traditional-interpersonal
F. The Influence of Values and Beliefs
  1. Seeking help
  2. Experiencing pain
  3. Labeling symptoms
  4. Communicating symptoms
  5. Beliefs about cause(s) of symptoms
  6. Attitudes and expectations toward therapy/treatment
G. Cultural considerations in client care
  1. Myths
  2. Developing Cultural competence
  3. Power differential
  4. Stereotypes
  5. Effective communication
    a. prerequisites
    b. commitment to mutual communication
H. Cultural considerations in the DSM-5®
  1. Symptoms and diagnoses
  2. “Cultural formulation” (revised)
  3. “Glossary of Cultural Concepts of Distress”
I. Consequences of cultural incompetence
J. Scenarios requiring cultural competence