Therapeutic Sensitivity to Cultural Differences A therapist’s sensitivity to a client’s cultural values can affect the ability to form a good working relationship and, ultimately, the success of psychotherapy (V. Thompson & others, 2004). Thus, some clients prefer to see therapists who are from the same ethnic or cultural background, as is the case with the African American therapist and client shown here. In general, therapists have become more attuned to the important role played by culture in effective psychotherapy.

Spencer Grant/Photo Edit