DB_Connecting Issues to Cultural Identities with Empathy
According to Hook et al. (2017) when a therapist engages their clients in cultural humility it can
deepen the emotional bond between them (Hook et al., 2017). The topic I would like to explore in this
discussion is death. For some death is a mysterious process therefore, I believe every cultural identity is
relevant for this topic since every human may experience death in some way within their lifetime. We
are all subject to having a different cultural identity regarding death, depending on the cultural in which
we have grown up in or assimilated within. My cultural identity may differ from my clients, being a
Christian death is as the Apostle Paul explains in the New King James Bible (1769/2017) “For me to live
is Christ, and to die is gain” (New King James Bible, 1769/2017, Philippians 1:21). Therefore, I do not
fear death. I do not desire death, but when it comes, I understand where my spirit will spend eternity.
Death is not a grim end for me but a happy new beginning with Christ. However, for my clients I will
need to learn how to approach the subject of death with cultural humility and understand what type of
questions or support I can give to my clients. In the event one of my clients experiences a death, Hook et
al. argues that a therapist can explore the client’s feelings in greater depth and try to understand how
death is handled within their cultural background (Hook et al., 2017). Understanding and knowing my
own cultural identity will help me be a better listener when my client experiences death. The question I
would ask my client is, “Tell me, what was your understanding of death within your family as you were
growing up?” “As an adult now, what are your feelings about death”? If I can understand your family a
