"Sure, we all get that culture matters in therapy. But what exactly makes for good cultural therapy?"
When culture is appropriately acknowledged in a mental health support, it can make a world of difference. In this article, we’ll explore what we mean by culture, why it’s so important in therapy, and how you can advocate for culturally sensitive mental health care—for yourself or others. We hope this encourages you to take a step toward finding the support that truly resonates with who you are.
What Do We Mean by Culture?
The Cambridge dictionary defines culture as “the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time”.
Two important ideas stand out: “Way of life” and “a particular group of people at particular time”.
“Way of life“ refers to the beliefs, values, practices, and norms. Culture influences on how we perceive the world, how we behave, and how we connect with others. It is like the lens we use to view and understand ourselves and our surroundings.
“A particular group of people at a particular time” highlights that culture is not universal. It is dynamic and varies between groups, and it evolves over time. Even within the same ethno-cultural group, individuals can differ due to factors such as religion, education, gender, social class, sexuality, age, and professional background, etc.
Culture is deeply personal and complex, shaping how we experience life - and that's why it plays such a vital role in our mental health.
Each individual will see the world in a different way, because culture isn't only about ethnicity but can also include other social categories i.e. religion, social class, education, gender, sexuality, age, career position, professional discipline.
How Culture Shapes Mental Health
Our Cultural background influences our mental well-being in ways that might not always be obvious. It affects how we view mental health challenges, how we cope, and whether we feel comfortable seeking help.
Imagine speaking to a psychologist or therapist, who shares or deeply understands your cultural background. Explaining the nuances of your experiences feels natural because they 'get it'. But when cultural factors are overlooked, therapy can feel distant or even alienating. That is why finding the right fit (therapist or psychologist) - someone who can see and understand your unique cultural lens - is so important.
Addressing Culture in Mental Health Therapy: Are We Doing Enough?
In recent years, two major trends have stood out:
Mental health challenges have been on the rise since the 1990s.
The UK has become increasingly culturally diverse, e.g. due to immigration.
The UK’s health services have made strides in prioritizing mental health and promoting equity, but many people from ethnic minority backgrounds still underutilize mental health services. This raises an important question:
Why do individuals from minority cultures hesitate to seek mental health support, even when it’s so clearly needed?
The Role of Culture in Mental Health Services
Unfortunately, cultural factors are often overlooked in the way mental health services are designed and delivered. Let's explore some of the key challenges:
Cultural Representation and Accessibility A culturally inclusive service considers diversity at every level—from the staff and leadership to how accessible the service is for people who 'appear as not in the mainstream' - i.e. people who don’t speak English as their first language, or people who are neurodivergent. When services don’t reflect the communities they serve, it’s easy for people to feel alienated or unwelcome. “I look at the long list of available support in the local area…funny thing is, I can’t find anything suitable for me.”
Cultural Awareness in Practitioners Some therapists see culture as a “secondary” issue, something less important than the immediate mental health problem. But culture isn’t an afterthought—it’s central to how people understand and navigate their mental health. A lack of cultural sensitivity can leave clients feeling misunderstood or unsupported. 'I remember a psychologist who once commented that learning about cultures is an individual preference, and that is something which she would unfortunately put as a second choice after a mental disorder. Imagine how disheartening it is for me as a non-white practitioner to hear, let alone the service users…'
Cultural Beliefs and Stigma Mental health stigma can look different across cultures. In some communities, discussing mental health openly is taboo, or seeking help might be seen as a sign of weakness. Services that don’t consider these nuances risk missing the mark when it comes to supporting people effectively.
The Impact of Discrimination When people encounter ignorance or insensitivity in mental health services, they’re far less likely to return. This makes it even more critical for practitioners to approach their work with genuine openness and cultural humility.
You should look for a therapist who's is sensitive to your culture as it might ease the communication. Remember that culture is not only about ethnicity but can also be about language, religion, social class, education, gender, sexuality, age etc.
Finding Culturally Sensitive Support
If you are searching for therapy that feels right for you, here are some tips to keep in mind, seen in the following:
Look for a therapist/psychologist who understands your culture. This doesn’t mean they have to share your background—but they should value and respect it. A culturally sensitive therapist will make an effort to understand your unique experiences and how culture shapes them.
Find a therapist fluent in your native language. Being able to express your thoughts and emotions in the language you’re most comfortable with can make therapy much more effective.
Choose someone skilled in exploring cultural influences.
A good therapist won’t just acknowledge that culture matters—they’ll help you uncover how it influences your feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, even in ways you might not realize.
Start the conversation early (discuss about culture upfront) It’s okay to talk about your cultural needs when beginning therapy. A supportive therapist will welcome this discussion and work with you to navigate any challenges that arise.
Educate yourself on intercultural skills. Invest in your learning.
Besides therapy, equipping yourself with intercultural knowledge can empower you to better understand yourself and others, navigate cultural complexities more effectively.
Conclusion
Cultural competence in mental health therapy is not optional—it’s essential. When culture is acknowledged in therapy, it opens the door to a deeper connection between you and your therapist. By considering cultural influences, therapists can provide more effective and empathetic support, while clients can find therapy that genuinely resonates with their experiences. It creates a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as a client, but as a whole person.
If you’re ready to begin therapy with a chartered psychologist fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, we invite you to - book your session or contact us if you want to know more.
About the Author
Tiffany is a practitioner psychologist, clinical supervisor, and honorary lecturer based in Hong Kong and the UK. She teaches intercultural communication at the University of Manchester and emphasizes experiential learning to develop cultural competence. Her unique approach integrates lived experiences and active group exchanges to foster deep understanding and effective therapy.
(Chinese Translation completed by Louis Leung.)
Comments