Creating Culturally Responsive Therapy Spaces
Creating Culturally Responsive Therapy Spaces: Insights from our Dynamic Dialogue with Avni Panchal, LCSW
In a recent episode of our podcast, we sat down with Avni Panchal, LCSW, to explore the essential topic of cultural responsiveness in therapy. This rich conversation shed light on how therapists can cultivate a therapeutic environment that honors and respects clients’ cultural and racial identities while fostering meaningful growth and healing. Below, we’ve summarized some of the key insights from our discussion with Avni.
Self-Awareness as the Foundation of Cultural Responsiveness
Avni began the session by emphasizing the critical role of self-awareness for therapists. She encouraged clinicians to reflect on their own comfort levels and discomforts when discussing race and culture. This self-awareness lays the groundwork for cultural humility, an approach that acknowledges therapists’ limitations in being experts on every culture.
Rather than striving for perfection, Avni advised adopting a mindset of openness and curiosity. She highlighted the importance of admitting areas of growth to clients and creating a collaborative dynamic where exploration is encouraged. Avni also stressed the value of pausing or adjusting if a client feels uneasy with the direction of the conversation, reinforcing the need for respect and sensitivity.
Balancing Curiosity and Respect in Client Interactions
One challenge discussed during the session was maintaining a balance between being curious about a client’s cultural experiences and avoiding the potential drain on the client’s emotional energy. Avni underscored the importance of grounding curiosity in the client’s lived experiences and their impact, especially in the context of trauma-informed care.
Avni recommended prioritizing validation over interrogation, ensuring clients feel seen and understood rather than scrutinized. She also highlighted the value of upfront agreements—explicitly empowering clients to set boundaries and redirect conversations as needed. This collaborative approach allows clients to take the lead, fostering a sense of safety and empowerment.
Creating Space for Exploration and Healing
When asked about creating a safe space for exploring cultural and racial identity, Avni described how she begins this process even before meeting her clients. Through her website and online profiles, she clearly communicates her commitment to cultural responsiveness and invites potential clients into a space where these topics are normalized.
During consultations, Avni establishes rapport and sets the tone for open, mindful discussions. She introduces her therapeutic process, including mindfulness practices, and reassures clients of her comfort in addressing culture and trauma. This proactive approach empowers clients to broach these topics on their terms.
Avni shared how she uses intake sessions to gather background information, normalize the discomfort that can arise when sharing personal stories, and validate the client’s feelings. When exploring internalized beliefs and racial trauma, she starts with the client’s experiences and gradually introduces concepts like racial trauma. Avni highlighted the importance of recognizing that many internalized beliefs stem from survival mechanisms, encouraging clients to approach them with compassion and understanding.
Avni’s insights provide a valuable guide for clinicians striving to create culturally responsive therapeutic spaces. By prioritizing self-awareness, fostering curiosity within respectful boundaries, and empowering clients to explore their identities, therapists can cultivate a healing environment that honors each client’s unique journey.
To get started on your journey of self-awareness and cultural responsiveness, check out our foundational learning series Breaking Barriers to Bias. Our first module addresses the topic of Crystalizing My Cultural Frame which guides participants through a journey of self-discovery and reflection.
To hear more from Avni Panchal and the Align & Embrace team, listen to the full podcast episode- Find us on Spotify and YouTube!