As a counsellor born and raised in Hackney in the 1970s, I’ve witnessed the profound changes in my community over the decades. Hackney has always been a melting pot of cultures, with people from Afro-Caribbean, African, South Asian, and many other backgrounds living side by side. Growing up as a Black British man of Afro-Caribbean heritage, I experienced both the richness of my culture and the systemic barriers faced by my community. Today, as a counsellor practicing in Hackney, I see how these dynamics continue to shape mental health experiences.
Culturally sensitive mental health care is not just a preference—it is a necessity. Our cultural backgrounds deeply influence how we perceive mental health, how we communicate distress, and how we seek and respond to help. When these factors are overlooked, the quality of care suffers, leaving many underserved and alienated.
Culture shapes our values, beliefs, and ways of understanding the world. For example, in Afro-Caribbean communities, there is often an emphasis on resilience and collective strength, born from a history of enduring systemic racism, slavery, and colonialism. While these values are empowering, they can also make it harder to seek help for mental health struggles, as vulnerability might be misinterpreted as weakness (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).
In mainstream mental health care, many therapeutic models are based on Western frameworks, which may not fully resonate with individuals from non-Western backgrounds. For example, a client from an Afro-Caribbean heritage may place a strong emphasis on family and community, while traditional therapy models often prioritize individualism. Without cultural sensitivity, these nuances can be missed, leaving clients feeling misunderstood or invalidated (British Psychological Society, 2020).
In Black communities, historical and ongoing experiences of systemic racism have bred mistrust in institutions, including health care. Black people in the UK are disproportionately sectioned under the Mental Health Act, which reinforces fears of being over-policed or misunderstood in vulnerable moments (Mind, 2020).
As a counsellor, I’ve heard clients share concerns about whether their therapist will truly understand their experiences of racism, cultural identity, or microaggressions. Without cultural sensitivity, therapy can feel like yet another space where they must explain or defend their existence.
In many cultures, mental health struggles are stigmatized, and seeking professional help can be seen as a sign of weakness. Growing up in Hackney, I saw how mental health issues were often dismissed with phrases like, “Just pray about it” or “Man up.” Faith and resilience are important parts of many communities, but they should complement, not replace, mental health support.
Culturally sensitive mental health care addresses these barriers by acknowledging and respecting the cultural contexts in which people live. It doesn’t just consider symptoms and diagnoses—it takes into account the client’s cultural identity, values, and lived experiences.
A culturally sensitive therapist is open to learning about the client’s cultural background and how it informs their mental health. This can include acknowledging systemic issues such as racism or gentrification, which are particularly relevant in places like Hackney. For example, the rapid changes in the area have left many long-term residents feeling displaced or invisible—a theme that often emerges in therapy.
Cultural sensitivity also means tailoring therapeutic approaches to align with the client’s worldview. For some, this might mean incorporating discussions of spirituality or family dynamics into therapy. For others, it could involve addressing the impact of historical trauma, such as the legacy of slavery or colonialism, on their mental health.
While cultural sensitivity is vital for all therapists, representation within the mental health field itself is equally important. Seeing a therapist who shares your cultural background can create an immediate sense of connection and understanding. As a Black British counsellor, I often hear from clients that they feel relieved to talk to someone who “gets it.” Representation validates experiences and challenges the notion that mental health care is only for certain groups.
Therapists and mental health professionals must commit to ongoing education in cultural competency. This includes understanding the historical and social contexts that shape clients’ experiences, as well as addressing their own biases.
Bringing mental health care into community spaces can help bridge the gap for those who feel alienated by traditional systems. In Hackney, initiatives like culturally specific support groups and partnerships with faith leaders have shown promise in reducing stigma and increasing access to care (Hackney Council, 2021).
Culturally sensitive care also requires systemic change. This means addressing the structural inequalities that disproportionately impact Black and minority ethnic communities, from housing and education to employment and health care access.
As someone who grew up in Hackney and continues to serve its diverse population, I am passionate about making mental health care accessible and meaningful for everyone. Cultural sensitivity is not an optional extra—it is fundamental to providing effective support.
If we want to break down barriers and truly address mental health in our communities, we must start by listening. Listening to the stories, struggles, and strengths of those we serve. By doing so, we can create a mental health system that is not only inclusive but transformative.
Culturally sensitive mental health care is the bridge between understanding and healing. It acknowledges that every client brings their own story, shaped by culture, history, and identity, and it ensures those stories are heard and valued. Together, we can make mental health care work for everyone.