Multicultural therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that acknowledges, respects, and integrates the diverse cultural backgrounds, identities, and values of clients into the therapeutic process. It recognizes that culture—encompassing factors like ethnicity, race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and nationality—shapes a person's worldview, experiences, and mental health.

As a first generation Asian American, Dr. Cindy May understands the struggles of being bicultural and how integrated someone’s culture is to their emotional well being and self-identity. What one culture can view as pathological another culture can perceive as cultural normative. At Newport Psychotherapy, we proud ourselves on our cultural competence. Dr. Cindy May has been trained and continues educate others on how to effectively work with people of various religions including Christianity, Jewdaism, Buddhism, and Daoism. derstand the impact of cultural influences on a person's behavior and mental health. This includes recognizing their own cultural biases and assumptions.

1. Cultural Competence: Therapists should develop specific skills and knowledge to work effectively with people from various cultural backgrounds. This involves being open to learning about clients' cultures and adapting therapeutic methods to fit individual needs.

2. Respect for Diversity: Multicultural therapy emphasizes the importance of respecting and validating clients' unique identities, experiences, and values, rather than assuming that all individuals experience life in the same way.

3. Culturally Relevant Interventions: The therapist tailors interventions to be sensitive to cultural factors, incorporating aspects like language, family dynamics, and societal influences, ensuring they are meaningful and effective for the client.

4. Social Justice and Advocacy: Many multicultural therapists are committed to addressing systemic issues like racism, discrimination, and inequality that impact the mental health and well-being of marginalized groups.

By considering the complexities of culture and identity, multicultural therapy aims to provide more inclusive, effective, and personalized care, helping clients feel understood and supported in their specific context.