As Nova Scotia’s population becomes more diverse, a new course offering will help mental health clinicians expand their knowledge of cultural safety and how that can create a more equitable, inclusive and meaningful environment for people from racialized populations.
Cultural competency is something that occupational therapist Stephanie Bizzeth, who developed the two-day course and will be teaching it, has identified as being important for mental health patients and clinicians alike.
“Being in school, I noticed that there was a lack of awareness about the diverse needs of people from different populations, and so it became a bit of a passion for myself to move it forward,” says Stephanie, who works out of the Cole Harbour Community Mental Health and Addictions Clinic.
“I wanted to make sure that there are more safer spaces for folks to come in and feel compassion, empathy and be understood when they seek out mental health services.”
The two-day course, titled Fundamentals of Cultural Safety for Racialized Populations in Mental Health and Addictions Care, is being offered through the Mental Health and Addictions Program’s Provincial Centre for Training, Education and Learning (PCTEL).
Through thoughtful discussion, case studies and role playing, participants will explore the historical, social and systemic factors that shape the experiences of racialized people and how clinicians can offer more culturally appropriate care.
“So, for example, we’re going to be looking at bias, understanding about micro-aggressions and how we can repair those harms, because they’re most likely bound to happen,” says Stephanie, who also serves as an advanced practice lead with PCTEL. “Being prepared to address them as quickly as possible is the best way to keep a healthy and meaningful therapeutic relationship with an individual.”
Maintaining these healthy therapeutic relationships is key to building a foundation of trust with people who often are hesitant or fearful of seeking care due to previous adverse interactions with the healthcare system.
“This is a way to kind of build a rapport with them and serve as a reminder that they are seen, and their concerns are being heard and that we’re trying to put solutions forward to make a better experience for folks who need to access care,” she says.
The course is relevant for any mental health and addictions clinician, whether they are starting out in their career, or have been working for several years.
This is especially true for people who have already taken some form of cultural competency training and may not feel like they need to take another course.
“There’s always something new to be learned; there’s always something that’s good to be reminded of,” says Stephanie.
“Because sometimes we get into our workplaces and the culture is very busy, there’s lots going on, and so sometimes you don’t get a chance to reflect and have that time to check in on your biases that could be coming up when you’re working with racialized people. This course, for me, is that time to have that reflection and a refresher for anyone who’s done this work before.”
Stephanie says she hopes to build on this training and offer more cultural competency learning opportunities in the future.
“Cultural competency isn’t something that is a one and done; it’s part of continued learning.”
The two-day course will be held on March 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course will be reoffered when the new 2025-26 PCTEL course calendar is launched in June.
Photo of occupational therapist Stephanie Bizzeth.
