Cultural humility has recently generated increased attention in the counseling profession due to its positive association with therapeutic outcomes. Cultural humility is encompassed by the following five dimensions: (a) openness, (b) self-awareness, (c) egoless, (d) supportive interactions, and (e) self-reflection and critique. Utilizing these dimensions as a foundational framework, Drs. Edith Gonzalez and Katharine Sperandio constructed a self-report measurement called the Multidimensional Cultural Humility Scale (MCHS) so that counselors can assess their personal levels of cultural humility. For the purposes of this presentation, Drs. Gonzalez and Sperandio will facilitate a discussion about what cultural humility is and how it can come alive in sessions with clients, and how the construct can be taught to students. Additionally, Drs. Gonzalez and Sperandio will provide suggestions on tangible strategies to amplify personal cultural humility using each of the five dimensions as a guide.

About the Presenters:

Dr. Katharine Sperandio is an Assistant Professor in the Community and Trauma Counseling program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University in 2011, a Master of Education in Community Counseling with an emphasis on addictions at William & Mary, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from William & Mary. Dr. Sperandio’s primary areas of research include (a) Addictions Counseling, (b) Addictions and Family Systems, (c) Social Justice Issues in Counseling, and (d) Cultural Humility.  

Dr. Edith Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Texas A&M University- Commerce. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston, a Master of Education in Couples, Marriage and Family Counseling from William and Mary, and a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from William and Mary.  Dr. Gonzalez’s primary research interests include (a) Issues in Marriage and Family Counseling, (b) Social Advocacy for Underrepresented Populations, (c) Implications of Bilingual Counseling and Supervision, and (d) Working with Latinx immigrant families.