Cultural Competency in Health CareCounseling Practices and SupervisionEmpathy and Medical Education

Charmeka S. Newton, Janeé M. Steele

2026.3.2JOURNAL OF MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT

DOI: 10.1002/jmcd.70017

Abstract

Broaching is a critical skill that should be explicitly integrated into clinical training and professional development. However, teaching broaching can be challenging, as it requires addressing personal biases, navigating difficult conversations, and fostering a deep understanding of cultural humility. This article presents the BRIDGE model, a structured framework designed to facilitate broaching training for mental health professionals and trainees. Elements of the model are described, followed by a discussion of challenges encountered in its implementation and strategies to address them.

Citation format

NEWTON, Charmeka S.; STEELE, Janeé M. The BRIDGE model: A structured approach to broaching training. JOURNAL OF MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT, 2026, 54(2): 67–76.