Final answer:
To be culturally competent, therapists must be aware of their own biases and understand their impact on therapy, rather than avoiding personal feelings and experiences. They should actively educate themselves and engage in anti-racist practices while maintaining sensitivity to the client's cultural experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be a culturally competent therapist, it is not true that one should completely avoid personal feelings and previous experiences with race, culture, and gender. In reality, being culturally competent involves a deep awareness of one's own cultural background and biases, and how these can influence one's perceptions and interactions. A therapist should use self-awareness, education on historical facts and anti-racist practices, and an openness to the client’s unique cultural experiences to effectively explore issues such as prejudices or racism.
Therapists must engage in continual learning and reflection, recognizing their own limitations and striving to understand the client's perspective. This implies not erasing one’s feelings and experiences, but understanding and contextualizing them within the therapeutic relationship. Moreover, addressing stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination with clients requires sensitivity and commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
An essential aspect of improving cultural competence is the willingness to receive feedback, particularly from diverse voices, and make necessary changes in one's approach to counseling. It is a lifelong process of learning, self-examination, and practicing inclusivity and anti-racism, acknowledging the complex interplay of culture, power, and identity.