Beyond Comfort Zones: My journey towards true cultural competency

For the past 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a psychotherapist, helping clients navigate life’s challenges. In that time, I’d estimate that at least 95% of my client base has been white. This isn’t surprising, given the racial demographics of my community and the ways therapy has historically been structured in the West. But as I continue evolving in my practice, I recognise a pressing need: to ensure that everyone—regardless of race, background, or identity—feels safe in my hands.

Cultural competency isn’t just about awareness. It’s about active learning, deep listening, and an ongoing commitment to challenging the unconscious biases that shape interactions in the therapy room​.

Deconstructing Bias: The Work Begins Within

We all carry unconscious biases. As a white therapist, I’ve had to examine my own assumptions—about what healing looks like, about how emotions are expressed across cultures, and about the ways mental health is viewed outside of Western frameworks​. I’ve learned that cultural humility is key: I won’t always get it right, but I must remain open to learning, adjusting, and being held accountable.

The Power of Lived Experience

I’ve also come to understand that for many Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), therapy has not always been a safe space. Mental health systems have long been shaped by Eurocentric models that often fail to acknowledge generational trauma, systemic oppression, and non-Western healing practices​. As I expand my practice, my goal is to ensure that anyone who walks through my door feels seen, heard, and valued—not just as a client, but as a whole person whose experiences are valid and central to our work together.

Moving From Awareness to Action

To create a truly inclusive practice, I am:
✔️ Educating myself continuously—through reading, supervision, and training that centers BIPOC voices.
✔️ Expanding my approach—incorporating culturally responsive methods and acknowledging historical trauma.
✔️ Creating an actively welcoming space—so that potential clients from all backgrounds know they are safe here.

Therapy should be a space of deep safety, no matter your race, ethnicity, or cultural background. If you’ve ever hesitated to seek therapy because you weren’t sure a therapist would understand your experiences, I want you to know: my door is open, and my work is ongoing.

#InclusiveTherapy #CulturalCompetency #TherapistsForJustice #MentalHealthForAll