Reflection:
In the beginning of my internship, I had the false belief that I had to know all about different cultures in order to be culturally competent. Through training and feedback from my supervisor, I have learned that cultural diversity is about being open, curious, and honoring clients’ experiences, cultures, and identities without making assumptions or imposing my own beliefs and values on others. I have realized that if you are genuinely interested in the client, who they are, and their life experiences, maintaining cultural competence becomes that much easier.
Going forward, I plan on continuing to seek guidance and support when it comes to cultural competency, while also seeking feedback from clients to ensure they feel respected when it comes to their cultural backgrounds and identities.