Let’s be honest: partnerships are hard to figure out. Things get even more complicated when you include in different cultures. Think about a marriage and family therapist who is helping a couple that can’t agree on how to celebrate holidays, how to tell bedtime stories, or even what to eat on Sunday. All of these things are very different because of their cultural backgrounds. Culture isn’t only an extra taste for individuals everywhere; it impacts the whole experience. Visit that site for more information!
To be culturally sensitive, you need to notice and respect these underlying factors instead of dismissing them. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy says that more than 40% of therapists work with people and families whose origins are very different from their own. This can lead to both misunderstanding and actual, deep intimacy.
But why is it so important to be aware of other cultures? Let’s go deeper. If a therapist doesn’t understand a family’s cultural point of view, their help might not be right. What works for one family might not work for another, and it might even be rude. A counselor who tells people to confront one other directly may not know that in some cultures, being indirect is a sign of respect. Or, families that value harmony might not like the idea of pushing for individual freedom.
For instance, look at the story of Anya and Miguel. They lived on different continents—Russia for her and Mexico for him—and their fights about housework were really about something far bigger: what family responsibilities mean. A therapist who knows about these backgrounds will ask questions like, “How do you show respect in your families?” instead of presuming that both people see the problem the same way. These talks don’t put up walls; they bring people together.
Therapists need to be lifelong learners in a practical sense. They should read about traditions they don’t know about, think about their own assumptions, and ask families to talk about what means most to them. Clients can tell when someone is faking empathy right away. Being real, respectful, and interested makes all the difference.
It’s not enough to use the appropriate words or check off diversity checklists to be truly culturally sensitive. It’s about keeping curious, being patient, and being willing to question, “What shapes your experience?” There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to just listen carefully and not make any conclusions.
Research backs this up: families are more likely to feel safe, affirmed, and willing to participate in therapy when their cultural identity is acknowledged (AAMFT, 2020). Those times when you really feel seen can change a hard session into a life-changing one.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your family’s customs, morals, or relationships if you need help. And therapists, when in doubt, be humble and open. There is always more to learn in therapy and in life. Accepting this is how real progress and understanding happen.