Cultural competency & Sensitivity With Olivia Sterling

In this episode, Robin and George chat with Olivia Sterling, one of SohoMD’s licensed clinical social workers, about cultural competency and sensitivity.  Olivia describes herself as “an Afro-Latina therapist who specializes in providing culturally-sensitive, holistic therapy across diverse populations.”  She gives her perspective on the roles of cultural competency when working with people of color processing trauma, anxiety, and other concerns.  Having lived in all 5 boroughs of New York City, Olivia is well-versed in navigating intersectionality.  This impacts her practice and the ways she shows up for her clients.  The group discusses the complexities of intersectionality as they come up in therapy. Her view on approaching therapy as a way to protect one’s community is a refreshing take on the adage “it takes a village to bring up a child.” George and Olivia talk about breaking the stigma around therapy in BIPOC communities and how Gen Z is evolving the country’s views on mental health care.  Robin and Olivia discuss handling trauma triggers in therapy.  Olivia also offers advice for all therapists on exercising curiosity and acknowledging racial dynamics in the therapeutic connection.  Olivia’s also provides some advice for patients who need help figuring out whether a new therapist is a good fit.