Culturally Sensitive Therapy with Low-Income Ethnic Minority Clients: An Empowering Intervention

In this article the author discusses how to engage low-income ethnic minority clients in psychotherapy. She proposes the empowering model of clinical intervention, which views clients and their difficulties in the context of their cultural identities, and social backgrounds and intervenes within a framework that is ecological and empowering. Further, clinicians need to clearly identify clients’ abilities and cultural needs in order to accurately assess and utilize their strengths and resources. The empowering model of clinical intervention is described as culturally sensitive and ecologically valid. The model provides a structured and predictable format that maintains client safety and control while addressing the challenges of race, class, sexual orientation, and other client differences.