Cultural Competence in Practice: Reflections from London

In his influential work Overcoming Our Racism, Derald Wing Sue emphasizes the power of cultural immersion as a tool for addressing personal bias. He argues that one of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice is through direct engagement with cultures different from our own. This insight profoundly shifted my perspective—not just as an individual, but as a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to providing inclusive and compassionate care.

In the clinical space, empathy cannot be fully realized without some level of cultural understanding. When we lack cultural context, we risk misunderstanding our clients’ lived experiences. Recognizing this, I’ve made it a personal and professional priority to intentionally immerse myself in different cultures. In today’s blog, I reflect on my time in London, exploring themes of respect for culture, cultural open-mindedness, and an empathetic approach to cultural curiosity—all essential components of cultural competence.

Respect for Culture

As Americans traveling abroad, we sometimes carry the unconscious expectation that our cultural norms are universal. One of my earliest experiences in London challenged this mindset. When we arrived at a local pub with fellow travelers, we sat down and waited to be served—something common in many American restaurants. A nearby patron quickly noticed that we were unfamiliar with local customs and kindly explained that in London pubs, patrons order directly at the bar. There are no servers, tipping is uncommon, and diners are responsible for retrieving condiments and additional items themselves.

Though this moment was minor and unintentional, it served as a powerful lesson in cultural humility. It showed how easily we can project our expectations onto other cultures without realizing it—and how that can come across as disrespectful. Generally, when engaging with new cultural settings, we should approach with curiosity, not assumptions. Ask questions. Be open. Let go of entitlement. Respect isn’t just about understanding others—it’s also about being willing to adapt ourselves based on what we learn.

Cultural Open-Mindedness

Open-mindedness means challenging our current beliefs and welcoming new viewpoints. When I was in London, I realized that every country has its own complex history—often similar to ours. Visiting Brixton, a community rich in history and culture, opened my eyes to the racial dynamics that have shaped modern Britain.

Learning about events like the 1981 Brixton Riot—driven by systemic inequalities, economic disparities, and police brutality—resonated with the racial unrest we’ve seen in the United States. These shared histories reminded me that issues of race and justice are not unique to America; they are worldwide human concerns. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. powerfully stated in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” That truth became real for me in Brixton.

This experience reaffirmed the importance of staying open to learning from others' cultural struggles. It enhanced my appreciation for how interconnected human experiences are and the universal fight for equality and dignity.

An Empathetic Approach to Cultural Curiosity

Empathy, as defined by one of my earliest clinical supervisors, is “the ability to sit in what someone else is feeling and allow them the space to decide how they want to move through it.” Applied to culture, empathy means being willing to step into someone else’s worldview without judgment or the need to “fix” it.

During my time in London, I wandered the streets, talked with locals, and engaged deeply with the surrounding communities. These experiences were not just eye-opening—they fostered connections. By creating space for others to share their cultural stories, I discovered that meaningful conversations and mutual respect naturally developed.

Empathy in therapy—and in life—requires active listening, vulnerability, and a dedication to respecting others’ truths. Cultural empathy, in particular, enhances the therapeutic relationship and helps clients feel seen, valued, and understood.

Final Reflections

My cultural immersion in London left a lasting impact on how I present myself—as a clinician, a learner, and a fellow human being. Respect, open-mindedness, and empathy are not just values to aspire to; they are practices that must be practiced daily, especially in the therapy room. Cultural competence is not about achieving perfection but about committing to ongoing growth and understanding.

At its core, this journey isn't just about the color of culture—it's about the humanity within it.

Until next time,
Micah Wyatt, M.S., LMFT