Five Stages of Cultural Awareness and Acceptance
by Jacquelyn Strickland, retired psychotherapist & LPC
Many of you may know that my background in social work, women’s studies, cultural diversity, and a graduate degree in counseling have informed my work with Sensory Processing Sensitivity for over 25 years. over 25 years. My Five Stages of Cultural Awareness and Acceptance was first published in Dr. Elaine Aron’s (hard copy) newsletter, The Comfort Zone many years ago.
What Does it Mean to Acknowledge, Affirm & Promote our Sensitivities?
Jacquelyn Strickland, LPC
The following definitions are from Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the .English Language, 1996. The examples following the definitions may help us to rethink what we have been taught, what we have internalized and what we can do differently when it comes to being a Highly Sensitive Person.
1. Disparage: To belittle, demean, ridicule, discredit
Believing: “HSPs’ are weak, irritable, inferior, fearful, too emotional, too nervous, too intense.”
Beliefs often associated with this stage:
~There is something wrong with me
~I am a disappointment
~I am powerless
Feelings often associated with this stage:
Dejected, Hopeless, Depressed, Ashamed, Overwhelmed, Fragile, Vulnerable
2. Deny: To refuse to recognize or acknowledge
Believing: “You’re too sensitive, you need to toughen up, bite the bullet, suck it up.”
Beliefs often associated with this stage:
~My needs are not important
~I cannot trust my judgment
~I am weak – I am a failure
~I have to be perfect
Feelings often associated with this stage:
Stressed out, irritable, angry, resentful, guilty, heavy-hearted
3. Acknowledge: To admit to be real or true; to recognize the existence of
Believing: “Yes…your needs and mine are different … help me to understand you, so I can help you to understand me.”
Beliefs often associated with this stage:
~I can be myself
~I can get what I want and need
~I have choices
Feelings often associated with this stage: Relief, intrigued, inspired, absorbed
4. Affirm: To state or assert positively
Believing: “HSPs have a unique way of being in the world, we have a more finely tuned nervous system, and we process things deeply and purposefully.”
Beliefs often associated with this stage:
~I can trust myself
~I can be myself and make mistakes
~I can learn to take care of my sensitive self
Feelings often associated with this stage: Proud, Relaxed, passionate, hopeful, optimistic
5. Promote: To further, advance, or exalt; put in a higher position
Believing: “HSPs are not “better” than non-HSPs, nor are we superior…yet, knowing that HSPs have unique gifts, talents, and skills and much to contribute to the world around us, our families, our workplaces, relationships, etc.”
Beliefs often associated with this stage:
~I deserve love and respect
~I am fine just as I am
~I can trust my judgment
~I can choose whom to trust
Feelings often associated with this stage: Appreciative, Grateful, Inspired, Empowered, Excited
From: Edited from Dr. Evonne Hedgepeth, Ph.D., “What Does It Really Mean to “Affirm” Versus “Promote” A handout used in cultural diversity training & modified for HSPs by Jacquelyn Strickland, LPC. Use only with permission.
Questions for Reflection
Which feelings and beliefs do you most identify with?
- What keeps you from moving forward to the next stage?
- What is your biggest need/fear as an HSP? Who can help you address this need?
- Which statements might you utilize as positive affirmations to build and maintain your confidence as an HSP?
- What kind of support do you need to move forward?
Jacquelyn Strickland, LPC (970) 484-0840 – www.jacquelynstrickland.com
Use only with permission
