The multicultural orientation framework: A narrative review.

Abstract

After several decades of slow progress, researchers are beginning to make advances in linking constructs based on the multicultural competencies tradition-especially those focused on qualities of the therapist-to therapy outcomes. The multicultural orientation framework was developed in response to several trends within the multicultural competencies tradition, with a particular emphasis on integrating the multicultural competencies tradition into research on psychotherapy process. We provide a narrative review of studies that include one of the three constructs (i.e., cultural humility, cultural opportunities, and cultural comfort) articulated by the multicultural orientation framework. Results indicate initial evidence linking multicultural orientation constructs to therapy outcomes (e.g., perceived improvement, racial/ethnic disparities in termination, and therapy alliance). Results also supported the social bond and social oil hypotheses from theorizing on humility. Implications for future research and therapy practice are discussed.

Black American psychological help-seeking intention: An integrated literature review with recommendations for clinical practice.

“…I want you to know that I am always open to talking about these topics whenever they are relevant. (p. 281) Furthermore, adopting a multicultural orientation (MCO) framework has been found to lead to strong working alliances and positive therapeutic outcomes with culturally diverse clients (Davis et al, 2018). The MCO framework describes a method of interacting with the diverse cultural identities of clients (Owen, 2013).…”

Trainees’ Cultural Humility and Implicit Associations about Clients and Religious, Areligious, and Spiritual Identities: A Mixed-Method Investigation

“…Cultural humility involves a stance of openness, curiosity, self-analysis, and the capacity to accept critical feedback (Davis et al, 2018). Participants appeared to struggle between being open and protecting their image as “culturally competent” trainees, noting a fear that they would “appear racist” during the IAT and felt pressured to complete the IATs “correctly.” Curiosity may have been a group-level process, wherein the participants explored the origins of their IAT results without prompting from the group facilitators.…”

“…Rather than an emphasis on cultural competency (e.g., building knowledge; Sue, 1998), cultural humility assumes clinicians engage in self-analysis and are open to feedback about their engagement with diverse others. Cultural humility is one of three pillars of Multicultural Orientation (MCO), a “way of being” with clients where the client’s multicultural contexts are integrated into conceptualization and treatment (Davis et al, 2018, p. 91). Clients who see their clinicians as more culturally humble also reported stronger working alliances (Hook, Davis, Owen, Worthington, & Utsey, 2013); and in-session microaggressions were associated with clients seeing their therapists as less culturally humble (Davis et al, 2016).…”

Cultural Humility as a Spiritually Focused Intervention in Correctional Settings: The Role of Therapists’ Multicultural Orientation

“…Cultural humility also involves an interpersonal stance that is other-oriented—rather than self-focused and even morally superior—regarding the client’s cultural background and experience. In addition, the culturally humble therapist regulates their R/S perspective, while aligning, understanding, and honoring the R/S perspective of the client (Davis et al, 2018). For instance, a culturally humble therapist would be more likely to be interested and curious about what clients’ R/S identity means in their life, and how it might play a role in their healing process.…”