| In This Article: Understand how cultural factors, from communication styles to family expectations, shape the experience, approach, and success of individual therapy. |
If you are part of a less-represented cultural background, you may have noticed that many of the common experiences people share about individual therapy might not match what you expect or hope for yourself. Rest assured that therapists and counselors should always strive to provide culturally responsive care, and that can look different depending on your background. Bridging the gap between an individual’s particular worldview and the therapeutic process that might work best for them is part of establishing a relationship with a therapist who can help for the long term.
However, you should not simply settle for the first therapist you find. Selecting culturally responsive individual therapy is an essential step in pursuing personalized care. This basic overview will help you understand why culturally influenced therapy is a powerful approach to wellness and how your experience might differ depending on your background.
Why Culture Matters in Therapy
A person’s culture encompasses a broad spectrum of aspects of their life, from how they view the world to the decisions they make about their future. The intersection of culture and one-on-one counseling is personalization. Because traditional individual therapy often emphasizes personal autonomy and self-actualization (concepts historically rooted in Western psychology), some individuals might not immediately connect with a therapist’s approach.
It is important to voice these concerns if you have them. This allows your therapist to pivot to an approach that resonates with you. For instance, take collectivism vs. individualism in therapy. In some cultures, the focus is on the group, and considerations such as disappointing others or bringing “shame” to the family or community might take precedence over one’s personal interests or goals. Therapists who are aware of this cultural background are more equipped to facilitate a person’s development with those factors in mind.
Cultural Differences That Manifest in Therapy
Depending on the culture you come from, your experience in therapy will likely differ from others. Some of the most common cultural factors arising in individual therapy include collectivism, a sense of familial duty, and adherence to spiritual traditions. Approaching therapy without incorporating this information is a frequent cultural barrier to counseling and can inhibit success. Common manifestations of cultural differences in therapy include:
Stigma
Mental health stigma in different cultures presents in particular ways. One culture might view seeking therapy as a failure, while another might view it as a strong personal investment in success. Your therapist can help you understand how therapy can fit into your framework and, if necessary, overcome the negative associations tied to counseling. Therapy is here to help; you should not feel that seeking mental healthcare is something to be ashamed of.
Distress
The way people experience stress and upset can also appear differently across cultures. For example, some cultures encourage openness about feelings, while others view crying as shameful or embarrassing. Sharing personal information can be uncomfortable in privacy-oriented cultures, and people from such backgrounds might feel unsure about what to say in therapy. All of these scenarios are well within the skill set of a therapist; do not avoid therapy because you believe that your therapist will not understand! Professionals listen to your personal story and adjust accordingly.
Goal-Setting
Just as symptoms of unwellness can look different across cultures, so can goals. What kinds of goals a person sets, how frequently, and who might be influenced by those goals are all, at least in part, changed by a culture’s values and focus. Some might choose their goals with their community image in mind (e.g., a collectivist culture). Others might want to break free from this trajectory. Still others might seek to integrate themselves more closely into their own communities. There is no single right answer; a therapist will help you find your own best outcome.
Get Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
If you are seeking individual therapy for an assorted population, including the culture that shapes you, be sure to select a professional who adjusts treatment to your background and goals. If you are unsure of your goals at the start, do not worry! You don’t need to have every detail figured out. That task falls to your therapist as a guide, with the two of you collaborating toward the future you want to pursue.
The professionals at Village Counseling are versed in a wide range of backgrounds from all around the world. We take a culturally informed approach, helping clients of all ages, belief systems, LGBTQIA+ orientations, and more. Contact Village Counseling to schedule a therapy appointment, share a little about yourself, and learn how your therapist will personalize your therapy experience to meet you where you are.