Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Cultural and Ethical Sensitivity

The term “culture” refers to the unique behavior patterns, attitudes, values, worldviews, and lifestyle shared by a group of people that distinguish them from other groups (Tseng & Streltzer, 2004; Whaley & Davis, 2007). Clinicians are increasingly expected to be culturally sensitive and culturally competent. Cultural sensitivity involves the clinician’s “awareness of cultural variables in themselves and in their client that may affect the therapeutic relationship and treatment process” (Sperry, 2010, p. 198).