top of page

Prepping for Session

The first step of centering cultural humility while working in home is to prepare purposefully and thoughtfully.Walking into a client's home requires flexibility, awareness, and respect. A prepared clinician is one that can best build trust within themselves and the families they are serving.

1. Understanding Humility

Preparing for in-home sessions with cultural humility in mind sets the foundation for a strong therapeutic relationship. Before stepping into a client’s space, it’s important to take a moment to consider their cultural background, values, and experiences—and how these might shape their expectations of care, as well as your own. ​

  • You want to shift from rigid assumptions and belief systems to being open and intentional.

  • Reflecting on potential biases, adjusting your approach as needed

  • Be mindful of how you show up both mentally and physically (ie being aware of jargon or body language).

Cultural Humility Defined 

Cultural humility in IHC work means continuously reflecting on our own biases and identities while honoring the lived experiences of each family. It requires recognizing power dynamics, fostering trust through partnership, and advocating for accountability within the systems we work in.

What is the difference between Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competency?

Job Interviews Do's And Don'ts Comparison Graph-3.png

2. Practice Self-Reflection 

Every clinician brings their own unique intersectional experiences and identities into their work with clients. Self-reflection is essential—not only to examine our own biases and identities, but also to deepen our understanding of client behaviors, relational dynamics, and our clinical approach. Preparing to enter a client's space with cultural humility means engaging in continuous reflection that honors both who we are and how we show up in practice.

Self-reflection involves a clinician intentionally examining their thoughts, behaviors, identities, and interactions to gain insight, enhance practice, and foster growth—both personally and professionally.

What is self-reflection?

Reflection questions to engage in critical self-reflection:

  • What are my cultural identities?

  • How might my own identity (race, class, gender, etc.) impact the power dynamic in this session?

  • How do my cultural identities shape my
    worldview?

  • How does my own background help or hinder my 
    connection to clients/communities?

  • What are my initial reactions to clients,
    specifically those who are culturally different
    from me?

  • How do I make space in my practice for clients
    to name their own identities?

  • What do I learn about myself through listening to clients who are different than me?

Practical Self-Reflective Strategies

Pre-session journaling

Engage in Meditation Practices

Spend 5-10 minutes before your session noting any emotions, assumptions, or personal biases that may be surfacing. Ask yourself:

​

  • Am I holding any preconceived notions about this family or their situation?

  • How might my identity or past experiences influence how I engage?

  • What do I need to release in order to enter this space with openness and respect?

Before stepping into the session, pause and ground yourself to ensure you are coming from a place of calmness and intentionality.

 

  • Take three deep breaths or use a brief mindfulness exercise to center your focus.

  • Remind yourself of your role as a supportive collaborator, not an expert imposing solutions.

  • Set an internal intention: "How can I show up for this family with curiosity and cultural humility?"

Supervision & Reflection

Share some of your thoughts, challenges, or uncertainties with a trusted peer or supervisor prior to going in home

​

  • If something felt challenging or uncomfortable, discuss it:

    • "I felt unsure about how to navigate this cultural dynamic—what would you have done?"

    • "I noticed I felt frustrated during this interaction—why might that be?"

3. Do your Cultural Research

Before engaging with families, take time to gather information about their intersectional identities, cultural background, and family dynamics. This helps you approach the session with cultural humility and awareness,ensuring that your interventions are relevant and respectful.

What does this look like in practice? 

Pay special attention to details found in client's chart that may impact client comfortability or that may impact the clinical relationship. Such as:​

  • Language preference 

  • Any previous involvement with social services

  • Family structure 

  • Religious observations

Be Thorough in Reviewing Client Chart

Familiarize yourself with general cultural norms, challenges, common traditions. Such as

  • Immigration stressors

  • Common familial dynamics

  • Cultural hospitality

This research is preliminary knowledge to guide your approach. In session, ask families directly about their values to avoid assumptions.

Research their Cultural Norms & Practices

Consider 
Intersectionality

Consider how might this family's race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, or immigration status shape their experience with in-home care?

​

Example: A low-income Black single mother may experience different systemic barriers than a two-parent, middle-class immigrant family.

Application of this Research In Session

Cultures are not monoliths, every family is unique. Take what your preliminary research shows and put it in your toolkit. Use it to inform your practice and approach your client with curiosity, not assumptions. Be mindful of power dynamics that may exist—some families may feel hesitant to fully engage due to past systemic harms or general mistrust. Instead of assuming cultural beliefs, ask open-ended questions.​

  • “Are there any traditions, values, or practices that are important for me to know as I work with your family?”

  • “How does your family typically address challenges?”

  • "How does your culture strengthen your family? Are there things you believe hinder you?"

4. Planning Logistics for First Session

Before going into the session, take time to finalize logistical details to ensure a smooth, professional, and safe interaction. Effective planning helps prevent unnecessary disruptions and allows you to focus fully on engaging with the family.

bottom of page