In doing so, they may receive care that doesnt feel culturally safe.
A non-culturally safe therapist isnotbetter than no therapist at all.
This article will explore your options for finding the affirming care you deserve.
Stocksy / Sergey Narevskih
What Is a Non-Culturally Safe Therapist?
Lets begin with understanding what the term “culturally safe” means.
Culturally safe care extendsbeyond merely gaining educationabout folks from different social, economic, and racial backgrounds.
That is a great first step.
Such an attitude can lead to issues in making progress in therapy and may even traumatize the client further.
Is No Therapist Better Than a Culturally Unsafe One?
However, working with a non-culturally safe therapist runs the risk ofexperiencing further painand trauma.
A non-culturally safe therapist is not better than no therapist at all.
That being said, this shouldnt deter you from seeking care.
There are a few steps you’re able to take to find a culturally safe therapist.
Once on the call with them, you have the opportunity to assess for cultural safety.
Do they sound caught off-guard or irritated?
Are they struggling to provide an answer?
Or are they comfortable and warm as they engage in the conversation?
A provider that is truly invested in cultural safety will welcome these questions.
It can take some trial and error to find the right therapist for you.
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