Beyond Clinical Orientation and Between Cultures: Factors That Affect the Therapeutic Alliance

This paper explores the therapeutic relationship when the therapist and client are from different cultures. In particular, it focuses on the impact of nonspecific therapeutic factors, which can be defined as qualities of the therapist or elements of therapy that are not specific to a theoretical framework. This literature review specifically analyzes cultural perceptions and preferences regarding therapist empathy, self-disclosure, directiveness, ethnic matching, value congruence, and paralinguistic cues. Although cross-cultural research on this topic is limited in methodology and scope, tentative conclusions can be drawn regarding the influence of these factors on therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome. Future research is necessary to solidify this link and establish more specific recommendations for clinicians and training programs regarding the use of these nonspecific therapeutic factors with culturally diverse clients