ABSTRACT
The unique and critical challenges that therapists encounter when entering the cross-cultural therapy space are paramount. Given that the impetus for cultural competence has been the inadequacy of service for members of ethnic minority groups, all the ethical concerns and clinical apprehension highlighted in the literature appear well deserving. However, the field of cross-cultural counseling has inadvertently constrained therapists with many “musts” and “shoulds.” It has become a cautious enterprise seeking for the right questions and right words while losing sight of cross-cultural counseling as a creative enterprise. This chapter focuses on working with ethnically diverse clients and acknowledges that creativity is an inevitable part of the change process. A case study is examined and best practices suggested. This chapter shows how the ORCA-Stance can be practiced to reclaim the creative aspect of cross-cultural work while offering culturally humble, and hopefully, liberating ways of connecting in difference.
