Beyond cultural ‘competency’: A somatic approach to building authentic client relationships

Cultural competency has long been a cornerstone of healthcare and mental health service delivery. Especially in response to increasingly diverse populations. The concept emphasizes tailoring care to meet diverse needs. However, it can sometimes position the service provider as an ‘expert’ on another’s culture, limiting authentic engagement. This experiential webinar will invite participants to move beyond cultural competency. By moving into the realm of cultural humility—a lifelong, reflective practice grounded in curiosity and openness.

Participants will engage in embodied exercises such as body-based mindfulness to explore how culture is housed within the body. We will also use narrative strategies, such as storytelling, and creative practices like art and body mapping, to deepen our understanding of cultural experiences.

By shifting focus from ‘knowing’ to meaningful engagement, this webinar aims to foster a more nuanced, relational approach to working across cultural differences. Additionally, participants will learn practical strategies to create culturally safe teams and workspaces that support ongoing learning and genuine connection.

This session is ideal for professionals seeking to transform their approach to culture from one of expertise to one of humility, openness, and collaboration.

Learning objectives:

• Expand understanding of culture as a dynamic, nuanced concept and develop a more complex view beyond seeing it as a singular entity.
• Learn experiential methods to create safer spaces for clients to explore their cultural experiences and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Gain practical tools to embody cultural humility and confidently engage with diverse populations. Learn strategies to promote cultural humility within teams and organizations, fostering inclusive, continuous learning environments.

Interested in this training? Contact Mary Anne at mvanrooyen@sickkidscmhlearning.ca to be added to our notification list and receive updates about future training dates.