Sociopolitical Values as the Deep Culture in Culturally-Competent Psychotherapy

Abstract

Although the consideration of client and therapist values is thought to be a core component of culturally-competent psychotherapy, sociopolitical attitudes and values (SPAVs) have been almost entirely neglected in the cultural competence literature. On the basis of research over the last several decades in behavior genetics, neuroscience, and personality and social psychology, we argue that SPAVs often play a substantial role in people’s self-concept, behaviors, relationships, and life choices. Thus, cultural competence requires that therapists consider the ways in which the SPAVs of the client and therapist, and the interaction between them, can affect therapeutic processes and outcomes. We provide recommendations for taking SPAVs into account in clinical practice, training, and research.