More Than a Mosaic: What Canada's Diversity Teaches Us About Mental Health

By Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Registered Counselling Therapist | Founder & Clinical Director, Venture Counselling & Therapy

Inc.

Posted: July 2, 2026

Reflecting on Canada Day

Yesterday, Canadians from coast-to-coast celebrated Canada Day. There were fireworks,

barbecues, community events, and opportunities to gather with family and friends.

For many, Canada Day is a time to celebrate what makes our country unique.

One of those things is our diversity.

Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. We are home to people from

countless cultures, languages, traditions, religions, and lived experiences. We are also home to Indigenous peoples whose histories, cultures, and contributions are foundational to this country.

As a therapist, Canada Day often causes me to reflect on something deeper than fireworks and celebrations. It reminds me that every person who walks into a counselling office brings a unique story, shaped by culture, family, identity, community, and life experience.

And that matters.

We Don't Experience the World the Same Way

One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my career is that there is no single "normal".

What feels familiar, safe, respectful, or healing to one person may feel completely different to

someone else.

Culture influences:

• How we express emotions

• How we view mental health

• How we seek support

• How we communicate

• How we understand family roles

• How we experience grief, trauma, and healing

Without understanding these influences, it becomes easy to make assumptions about others.

And assumptions can become barriers to meaningful connection.

What Is Cultural Competency?

Cultural competency is the ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with people

from diverse backgrounds.

In mental health, cultural competency means recognizing that people experience the world

differently based on their:

• Culture

• Ethnicity

• Race

• Religion

• Gender identity

• Sexual orientation

• Language

• Socioeconomic background

• Family systems

• Community experiences

But cultural competency isn't about knowing everything about every culture.

That's impossible.

It's about remaining curious, respectful, and willing to learn.

The Importance of Cultural Humility

In recent years, mental health professionals have increasingly emphasized cultural

humility alongside cultural competency.

Cultural humility recognizes that we never fully arrive at expertise regarding another person's

lived experience.

Instead, we approach people with openness and curiosity.

Rather than saying:

"I know what your experience is like."

We learn to say:

"Help me understand your experience."

That shift is powerful.

It moves us from assumptions to understanding.

What Does Culturally Responsive Practice Mean?

At Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc., we strive to provide culturally responsive care.

A culturally responsive therapist doesn't simply apply the same approach to everyone. Instead, they consider the unique context that shapes each person's life.

This means asking questions like:

• What cultural values are important to you?

• What role does family play in your decision-making?

• How has your community influenced your experiences?

• What beliefs support your healing?

• What barriers have you faced in accessing care?

Culturally responsive practice recognizes that effective therapy is not just about techniques—it's about relationships, understanding, and respect.

Why This Matters for Mental Health

Research consistently shows that people are more likely to engage in therapy and experience positive outcomes when they feel understood, respected, and culturally safe.

When individuals feel they must leave parts of themselves at the door to access support, healing becomes more difficult.

Mental health care should create space for people to bring their whole selves into the room.

Their culture.

Their history.

Their family.

Their identity.

Their story.

All of it matters.

A Personal Reflection

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals and families from

many different backgrounds and communities.

Every person has taught me something.

Some have taught me about resilience in the face of adversity.

Others have taught me about the importance of family, tradition, spirituality, and community.

Many have challenged me to think differently and expand my understanding of the world.

As someone who grew up in foster care, I know what it feels like to enter spaces where you don't feel fully understood. While every person's experience is unique, that understanding has reinforced the importance of listening first and assuming less.

One of the greatest gifts we can offer one another is genuine curiosity.

Celebrating What Makes Us Different

Canada's strength has never come from everyone being the same.

It comes from people with different experiences, beliefs, cultures, and stories learning how to

live, work, and grow together.

Mental health care is no different.

The goal isn't to erase differences.

The goal is to understand them.

Final Thoughts

As we move forward from Canada Day and continue through the month of July, perhaps one of the most meaningful ways we can celebrate our country is by remaining curious about one

another.

Listening more.

Assuming less.

Learning continuously.

Whether in our communities, our workplaces, our families, or our therapy offices, understanding begins when we create space for someone's story.

And every story deserves to be heard.

Sign-Off

With respect for the many cultures, communities, and experiences that enrich our country and our collective well-being,

Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Registered Counselling Therapist

Founder & Clinical Director

Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.

A Reflection for You

How might your relationships change if you approached differences with curiosity rather than assumptions?

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