What is cultural humility?

• A. Lifelong process of self-reflection and critique of power imbalances
• B. One-time training
• C. Not important
• D. Focus on cultural superiority

Answer: (A)

Cultural humility is a lifelong process of self-reflection and critique of power imbalances in helping relationships. It means recognizing you don’t know another person’s culture or experiences simply from training, and that clients are the experts on their own lives. Practicing it involves staying curious, inviting clients’ perspectives, and being willing to adjust your approaches to honor their values, needs, and contexts. It also includes acknowledging structural inequalities and actively sharing power in the helping process, seeking ongoing learning and feedback. This stance isn’t a one-time training, and it rejects the notion of cultural superiority.