The Multicultural Guidelines in Practice: Cultural Humility in Clinical Training and Supervision

• Published in: Training and education in professional psychology 2019-08, Vol.13 (3), p.227-232
• Main Author: Patallo, Brandon J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: American Psychological Association; Clinical Practice; Human; Humility; Minority Groups; Multiculturalism; Professional Competence; Professional Supervision; Training
• ISSN: 1931-3918; 1931-3926
• DOI: 10.1037/tep0000253

The updated American Psychological Association (APA) Multicultural Guidelines bring to the forefront many contemporary issues in clinical practice and supervision (APA, 2017). However, knowledge of recommended practices alone may not always create change in typical clinical practice. The application and implications of the multicultural guidelines are explored from a supervisee perspective. In particular, the concept of cultural humility is examined in relation to specific supervisory interactions and training standards dealing with race, culture, and identity. The role of power, privilege, and prejudice is discussed as is relevant to clinical and supervision processes. A supervisee perspective of how the above topics may be relevant to clinical training more generally are presented. Finally, specific suggestions implementing a cultural humility perspective into clinical supervision and practice is discussed. The author's hope is that by examining common, current practices from an underutilized lens, further exploration and discussion of related practices will be stimulated. Public Significance Statement This study offers an examination of current practices toward culture in clinical training. Cultural humility is offered as a guiding principle that may inform current practices and offer solutions to contemporary issues in training.