Treating Diverse Clients
With Eating Disorders continued from page 22
disordered eating behaviors , we must explore historical patterns of eating within a family and culture and identify any deviations from those cultural norms . If an eating-disorder behavior does not line up with the predominant culture ’ s typical eating disorder behaviors , be aware that it could still be disordered .
• Examine the concept of beauty . In assessing body-image concerns , it is important to explore if your client ’ s concept of beauty is congruent with the predominant society or with the ethno-culture of origin . Additionally , it is important to examine the client ’ s level of acculturation , which may influence your client ’ s belief about their physical appearance .
• Know your lens . Your lens is influenced by your prior experiences , what you have been taught , and what has been modeled to you . It is important to understand your assumptions , biases , and beliefs , and to recognize that your lens may be significantly different from your clients ’. Understanding how you see the world is just as important as understanding how others see it .
In “ White Fragility ,” Robin DiAngelo reminds individuals to try not to justify their ( or another individual ’ s ) position or explain behavior if an individual shares that they have experienced racism . Trust the person who is saying they are experiencing racism ! Build your stamina and willingness to acknowledge the pain of racism , so that you do not impose conditions that require people of color to continually validate the denial of racism . Compassion is not enough .
• Be committed to cultural humility . Cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and requires acknowledgment and personal critique of your own biases . Effectively working with BIPOC individuals requires LCMHCs to be aware , and to reflect and engage in intentional exposures to not only increase competency , but to value diversity . Be willing to conduct your own self-reflection or assessment . The self-assessment works like this :
2 . Learn how to address your bias by exploring your own personal narrative , or story , that may have informed your bias .
3 . Learn how to disarm your bias by looking for more than one way to interpret a situation or interaction .
4 . Use the power of books and other media to gain exposure and insight into the lives , experiences , and stories of those against whom you may hold a bias .
Anyone working with a Black client must understand the client as a unique individual and as a member of an oppressed group . LCMHCs are reminded to do no harm and to immerse ourselves in opportunities to learn about the culture of each of our clients . We need to demonstrate cultural humility and be willing to ask our clients the hard questions , such as :
What is important to you about your culture / ethnicity ?
What influence has your race / ethnicity played in shaping your body image and beauty standards ? What is the role of food in your culture ? What is it like to be in places that were not explicitly designed for you ?
• Develop a culturally sensitive approach to assessment and treatment : Pre-screen clients who are Black , Indigenous , and people of color for eating disorders . Do not discount disordered eating behaviors . Explore cultural values , which may impact how problems are perceived . Explore the history of eating patterns within the client ’ s family and culture .
Examine the client ’ s level of acculturation , which may influence beliefs regarding food and physical appearance .
Consider the deviation of eating habits from those expected within one ’ s culture .
Examine concept of beauty — is it congruent with the ethno-culture of origin ?
By reflecting on these steps and how they may be incorporated into the therapeutic relationship , counselors can better provide the best possible care for their BIPOC clients . Taking these steps will not only help diverse clients feel comfortable being in a therapeutic space , but also strengthen your abilities as a clinician . Culturally congruent care benefits all in the provider-client relationship , and most importantly , it ensures diverse patients have a safe space in which to begin , and thrive , in recovery .
The Advocate Magazine Spring 2021 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA )
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