Multicultural Identity and its Professional Implications

My multicultural background is a rich tapestry that includes ethnic heritages from English, Welsh, Irish, German, Dutch, and Spanish origins. This diverse ancestry is complemented by a familial dedication to the Catholic faith. Although I do not personally identify with Catholicism, I am familiar with its practices and instead subscribe to a belief in an unspecified spiritual power that connects all living things through energy and synchronicity. At 27 years old, I am in the Young Adulthood stage of life, identifying as a cisgender heterosexual female.

Currently, I am in an intimately committed heterosexual relationship with aspirations of motherhood in the coming years. This essay aims to explore how my multicultural background and personal beliefs influence my professional practice, particularly in therapeutic settings.

Personal Identity and Cultural Heritage

Though I am an only child, I come from a large extended family deeply rooted in American culture, with lineage traceable back to the 1600s. My family's core values emphasize hard work, family support, independence, and individuation. I consider myself to fall within a mid-level socioeconomic status, enjoying many privileges throughout my life. Despite these privileges, I have encountered microaggressions, sexist remarks, and overt discrimination. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the interplay between the multicultural aspects of my identity and how I affiliate with them.

Over the years, particularly in recent times marked by heightened self-reflection, I have developed a nuanced understanding of my identity through familial, societal, and unique individual experiences. As a cisgender heterosexual and spiritual woman, I have rarely felt pressured to conform to specific religious or gender norms. Although society often subtly promotes heterosexuality and traditional religious beliefs, I have never fully subscribed to these notions. Fortunately, my parents encouraged me to pursue my beliefs and values, allowing me to develop an authentic sense of self.

Exploring Ethnic Identity

While I believe that everyone has the right to love whomever they choose and have faith in whatever higher power they find meaningful, my opportunities to connect with my ethnic identity have been relatively limited. As someone of mixed Caucasian descent, I had not previously explored the cultural significance of my heritage’s various regions, including their traditions, mythology, and history, until recently. Over the past three years, I have dedicated significant time to researching these aspects, aiming to develop a deeper understanding of my culture, family, and ultimately, myself.

Professional Practice and Multicultural Awareness

My multicultural dynamic can significantly impact my assessment and treatment style with clients, such as MT. Growing up with values that emphasize pride in work, devotion to beliefs and family, and the importance of independence and individuation leads me to keep these values forefront in decision-making. While my values may overlap with those of my clients in some ways, they may differ in others. This can affect the therapeutic relationship positively or negatively, as transference and countertransference may occur if our belief systems align or differ. Therefore, exploring MT’s underlying values, schematic beliefs, and perspectives is crucial.

Understanding Client Perspectives

Being Caucasian, relatively young, privileged, an only child, unmarried, and childless, I naturally view life through a unique lens shaped by my experiences. These differences compared to MT’s multicultural aspects could initially hinder the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship. Hence, it is vital to be mindful, sensitive, and curious about understanding MT’s life experiences, such as being a middle-aged Mexican-American woman, a middle child with many siblings, married, and having experienced the death of her infant. Acknowledging and appreciating MT’s multicultural differences involves understanding her generational status, languages, socioeconomic status, educational and occupational achievements, and being sensitive to her medical condition and religious beliefs.

Holistic Approach in Therapy

Research suggests that when working with clients of Mexican-American heritage, employing a holistic approach is essential. This involves exploring and incorporating the intersections of individual, familial, and national identities (Moitinho et al., 2015; Sue & Sue, 2016). Given MT’s prior experiences with therapists, maintaining a balance of self-disclosure while upholding firm yet warm professional boundaries is crucial for developing a positive therapeutic alliance.

Conclusion: Integrating Multicultural Insights

My multicultural identity and values significantly influence my professional practice, particularly in therapeutic settings. By understanding the interplay between my personal experiences and professional responsibilities, I can better appreciate and address the multicultural aspects of my clients. This approach fosters a more empathetic and effective therapeutic relationship, ultimately benefiting both my clients and myself. Through continued exploration and understanding of my cultural heritage, I strive to enhance my self-awareness and professional capabilities, ensuring that I provide the best possible care for those I serve.

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