Therapist Multicultural Orientation: Client Perceptions of Cultural Humility, Sexual Identity, and the Working Alliance

Abstract

Research examining the benefits of cultural humility for diverse clients has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. However, little empirical research has applied therapist cultural humility to lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients. In a sample of 333 LGB persons, the current study examined whether therapist cultural humility predicted a stronger client-therapist working alliance. LGB identity centrality (IC) and identity affirmation (IA) were considered as possible moderators of this relationship. Therapist cultural humility predicted stronger working alliances in the present sample; however, this association was not moderated by IC or IA. These results suggest that therapist cultural humility is a valuable therapeutic process for LGB individuals regardless of IC or IA. Future research should consider the benefits of therapist cultural humility for other sexual and gender diverse persons, such as transgender individuals. Continued investigation is needed to explicate how the interaction of cultural humility and identity may promote well-being among sexually diverse groups