How to Navigate Cultural and Value Differences in Therapy

Using Moral Foundations Theory to Improve Clinical Practice

As therapists, we’re trained to be open, curious, and nonjudgmental.

But what happens when a client’s values, beliefs, or worldview feel very different from your own?

In today’s climate, where cultural and political differences are front and center, this question is showing up more and more in the therapy room.

In this episode of The Therapy Show, I sit down with Dr. Doug Novotny to explore how therapists can navigate cultural and value differences in therapy without becoming political, reactive, or disconnected from good clinical work.

The Problem: We May Be Thinking About “Culture” Too Narrowly

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is this:

We may be defining culture in a way that’s too shallow.

In many training programs, culture is often framed through identity categories - race, gender, or demographics. While these are important, they don’t capture the full depth of what culture actually is.

Dr. Novotny describes culture as something much deeper - something that shows up in:

• Daily behaviors

• Family systems

• Moral beliefs

• Rituals, traditions, and meaning-making

In other words, culture isn’t just who someone is - it’s how they live and what they value.

And when we miss that, we risk missing the client.

Why Values Are Always Present in Therapy

Many therapists were trained to believe that therapy should be “value-neutral.”

But here’s the reality:

Values are always present in therapy - whether we acknowledge them or not.

Every decision a client makes is influenced by what they believe is:

• Right vs. wrong

• Important vs. unimportant

• Safe vs. risky

• Acceptable vs. unacceptable

These aren’t just preferences; they’re deeply held values.

And as therapists, we bring our own values into the room too.

The goal isn’t to eliminate values.
The goal is to be aware of them, and work with them skillfully.

A Better Framework: Moral Foundations Theory

Dr. Novotny introduces a powerful framework called moral foundations theory, originally developed by Jonathan Haidt.

This model suggests that humans rely on different moral lenses, including:

• Care

• Fairness

• Loyalty

• Authority

• Sanctity

Here’s where it gets interesting:

Different people, and different groups, tend to prioritize these values differently.

This is often why:

• Conversations break down

• Clients feel misunderstood

• Therapists feel stuck or reactive

We’re not just disagreeing; we’re operating from different moral frameworks.

The Clinical Shift: From Reactivity to Curiosity

So, what do we do with this in practice?

Instead of reacting to a client’s beliefs or trying to “correct” them, we shift into curiosity:

• What values are driving this belief?

• Why does this matter so much to them?

• What experiences shaped this perspective?

This is where real clinical work happens.

Because it’s not about the content (what they’re saying)…
It’s about the meaning behind it.

Validation vs. Agreement (A Critical Distinction)

One of the most important distinctions we discuss is this:

Validation does not mean agreement.

You can:

• Validate a client’s feelings

• Acknowledge their experience

• Understand their perspective

Without agreeing with their beliefs or adopting their worldview.

This allows you to:
✔️ Stay ethically grounded
✔️ Maintain neutrality
✔️ Build a strong therapeutic alliance

Why This Feels Harder Right Now

If you’ve felt like this is getting more difficult - you’re not wrong.

We’re living in a time where:

• Social media amplifies extreme viewpoints

• People seek validation over dialogue

• Conversations become polarized quickly

Clients are bringing this into sessions, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly.

And without a framework, it can feel overwhelming.

A More Grounded Way Forward

This episode offers a refreshing reminder:

👉 Therapy doesn’t have to become political.
👉 But it does need to become more thoughtful about values.

When we:

• Understand our own values

• Get curious about our clients’ values

• Use frameworks like moral foundations theory

We can move from:
❌ Reactivity
❌ Confusion
❌ Avoidance

To:
✔️ Clarity
✔️ Confidence
✔️ Better clinical work

Listen to the Episode

If you’re navigating cultural or value differences in your practice or want to feel more confident when these topics come up - this is a must-listen episode.

Want to Go Deeper?

Dr. Novotny also shares a continuing education training where he teaches therapists how to integrate culture and psychology using this framework.

If you’re looking to strengthen your clinical skills and better understand how values shape your work, be sure to check to click here.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, this work isn’t about having the “right” perspective.

It’s about being willing to:

• Stay curious

• Think deeply

• And meet your clients where they are

Because that’s where real change happens.

Other Resources:

Need CE contact hours? Explore my NBCC-Approved Podcourses & CE Courses

FREE Continuing Education course! Earn 1.25 continuing education contact hours - The Promise of AI for Mental Health Professionals

Get my Coping with Political Stress Workbook that's Canva Editable For Clinicians, Coaches & Educators

Therapist Conversation Framework: Politics in Session A printable PDF with 97 questions to navigate political talk in therapy - without taking sides.

Solution-Focused Therapy Guide 72 questions + prompts to help adult clients clarify goals and move forward using SFT.

Check out all my Counselor Resources. 

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The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with your own healthcare provider regarding any personal health or medical conditions.