Building a relationship with a client is important in a therapeutic setting because there is a level of trust that is built and it creates a safe environment for the client to share and be vulnerable during their tough moments. However, building that relationship is very challenging since therapy can be scary to start and is also viewed as taboo. It’s even more difficult to connect with clients when there is a difference in their ethnic background because a wall automatically created. This is because a level of doubt is placed on whether or not the therapist can understand and empathize with their situation they’re discussing. 

Topics such as:

Family

Identity

Culture 

Values 

There can be misunderstanding in what might be a norm in one culture but different to another. So the session for the client may feel disconnected and pointless because they could be constantly correcting the therapist or feel alienated for what they’re sharing because of the lack of understanding. So in this podcast me and a few friends are discussing how to approach culture, questions to ask, and ways to connect with the clients while making them feel safe. This is important because having a relationship with your client is valuable and can help the client make huge progress in their own steps of healing.