Reflecting on the meaning of Culturally-Informed Counselling

Some of you know that in my work providing counselling services, I strive to approach each person with curiosity, compassion, humility, and respect. I’m still learning, and I often find myself reflecting on what culturally-informed care really means in practice (and yes, still occasionally realizing I don’t have all the answers—on good days I’m okay with that!).

I still remember when I first started. English is not my first language — and back then, it was very broken! Working across so many different cultural contexts felt overwhelming at times. I had the privilege of being supported by a very wise and compassionate supervisor, Christine Waymark at Dragonstone Counselling, who validated my experience, believed in my abilities, and helped me stay grounded as I adjusted to the realities of practice. Looking back, I realize how different real-world work is from what we learn in school.

Over time, I’ve come to understand that culturally-informed counselling is not about being an expert in every culture. It’s more about getting comfortable with “not knowing,” and staying open, curious, and present with each person’s story. It means asking instead of assuming, and really listening with our whole presence.

In the early stages of a therapeutic relationship especially, it’s easy to miss things as we’re still learning how someone makes sense of their world. Different cultural meanings, values, and lived experiences can add layers of complexity that take time to understand.

And what about mistakes? I’ve come to see them as part of this practice, especially in cross-cultural work. It’s not the mistake itself that matters most, but how we relate to it. We may say the wrong thing or make assumptions without realizing it. But if we can slow down, reflect, and stay present, we can respond with humility and care rather than getting caught in shame or fear. Often, that’s where reflection, repair, and deeper connection can happen.

I’ve also noticed that when we let go of needing to “get it right,” we tend to stay more connected to the person in front of us. From that place, something more honest and meaningful often emerges in the relationship.

Working cross-culturally has taught me to listen beyond symptoms and labels, and to understand the broader context of a person’s life — including migration experiences, family dynamics, cultural and systemic barriers, intergenerational experiences, spirituality, religion, and values. Mental health is deeply connected to all of these realities.

For me, culturally-informed care is not about having the answers. It’s an ongoing practice of self-reflection, openness, humility, and learning. It also means recognizing the resilience, wisdom, and strengths people and communities already carry.

At its core, cultural humility means remembering I am not the expert in someone else’s lived experience. My role is to create space for people to define their own experiences, identities, and healing in ways that feel meaningful to them.

As you reflect on this, how much of your culture, language, identity, and lived experience actually feel seen, considered, and given space in your therapy sessions? Does it feel like there is enough room for these parts of you, or are there areas where they remain unspoken or only partially heard?

Are you aware of any subtle (or not so subtle) power dynamics that might lead to parts of your cultural heritage, values, or beliefs being minimized or overlooked in the therapeutic space?

And perhaps most importantly, what remains unspoken—but still deeply present and central—for you in that space?