rbt F.10 Cultural Humility

By RBThub February 23, 2026

Cultural Humility isn't just about knowing what holidays a client celebrates. It's about knowing what you don't know.

It is the lifelong process of self-reflection and personal growth. As an RBT, you must step back from your own assumptions ("The way I grew up is the 'normal' way") and enter the client's world with curiosity and respect.

Executive Summary

This lesson covers Cultural Humility (F.10). It highlights the difference between "Cultural Competence" (memorizing facts) and "Cultural Humility" (a mindset of openness). Through the story of Jacob and Amir, we learn how RBTs can adapt their services—like respecting prayer times or using culturally familiar reinforcers—to build trust and improve outcomes.

⏱️ Video Timeline

00:06
Jacob & Amir Case Study
Jacob didn't assume. He noticed Farsi was spoken, he asked respectful questions, and he collaborated with the parents on goals.
02:13
What is Cultural Humility?
Admitting we don't know everything. It involves self-reflection, being curious, and avoiding the trap of thinking our culture is the "right" one.
03:13
Responsiveness in Action
Adapting the schedule for religious events or changing images on a token board to reflect the client's home life.
05:14
Avoid Assumptions
"Ethnocentric" assumptions (e.g., forcing eye contact) can be harmful if they conflict with the family's values.

🔑 Key Insights

Self-Reflection: The first step is checking your own bias. "Why do I think this behavior is 'bad'? Is it bad, or just different?"
Collaboration: Treat the family as the experts on their own life. Ask them what matters.
The Platinum Rule: Don't treat people how you want to be treated. Treat them how they want to be treated.
Adaptation: If a family values communal eating, don't force the child to eat alone in a designated "therapy spot." Adapt the program to them.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if a cultural practice interferes with therapy?
A: Collaborate. Discuss it with your Supervisor. We often find a middle ground where we respect the culture while still working on the goal. We never demand a family change their culture for us.
Q: Is it okay to ask questions about their culture?
A: Yes! Respectful curiosity ("Can you tell me more about how you usually handle mealtime?") is much better than making assumptions.

1. The Cultural Iceberg

Why humility matters: We only see 10% of a person's culture. The rest is hidden.
VISIBLE (10%) Language, Food, Dress, Holidays INVISIBLE (90%) Values, Beliefs, Eye Contact Rules, Concept of Time, Role of Children

2. Moving from Bias to Humility

Scenario: Eye Contact

Bias (Old Way): "The client isn't looking at me. They are being non-compliant. I need to run an 'Eye Contact' program."
Humility (New Way): "Wait. In this family's culture, is direct eye contact with adults considered rude? I should ask the parents before I target this as a 'deficit'."

📝 Knowledge Check

Check your mindset.

Q1: You notice a family feeds their 6-year-old by hand during dinner. What is the culturally humble response?

Answer: Ask respectful questions about their mealtime routines.
Do not assume the child "lacks skills." In many cultures, feeding is an act of love and connection, not dependence.

Q2: A parent asks you to remove your shoes before entering the home. It takes extra time. What do you do?

Answer: Remove your shoes.
Respecting the family's home environment is a core part of cultural responsiveness.
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Ethics Quiz

Mock Exam

Test your knowledge on Cultural Humility and Ethics.

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