Importance Of Cultural Competence

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Cultural competence can often be an insidious expression, and we all take part in the debate based on our background as well as our personal perspectives. Henceforth, this is a complicated subject - do not believe it if you are told it is simple! Even the word/term itself is complex. Cultural safety, cultural competence, cultural capacity, cultural humility? These terms are used interchangeably around the world and for the purposes of this essay I will use cultural competence to ensure some form of consistency. Is cultural competence merely the transfer of cultural facts to a person of another culture? In my modest opinion, it is much more than that. The study of cultures is the objective scientific examination of another culture, the discovery …show more content…

Everyone comes from a culture and as such cultural neutrality does not exist. Therefore, we cannot eradicate our values, our beliefs, our achievements. The more you are aware of your own culture, values, beliefs and influence on your worldview and actions; the more you can view the cultural differences of others as opportunities to learn. Furthermore, cultural competence begins with an understanding of how culture and cultural differences affect almost all human interactions. Cultural competence is about working together effectively, and gestures matter. Are you able to predict how your values and beliefs can, without your own intent, harm others and then avoid imposing your point of view? Can you consider the interaction in the perspective of your patients/clients? By being realistic, in the therapist-patient relationship, the therapist is the person who seems to have the power role. Hence, the patient/client who seems to have less power is the one who assesses your cultural competence. Do your patients feel that you are giving them a sense of cultural security? Often, the lack of cultural security is perceived as a lack of power by the patient. The imposition on others of your own culture and values is also a matter of power, and this is one of the most critical aspects of critical

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