Introduction: Turning Resistance into Rapport

Therapists frequently encounter clients or families who view therapy as foreign, unnecessary, or even taboo due to cultural beliefs. Statements like, “Therapy isn’t for people like us,” or, “We handle problems at home,” are common expressions of a deep-seated cultural skepticism that can lead to early dropout if not handled with care.

Studies show that clients from minority cultural groups are more likely to attend fewer sessions and drop out of therapy at higher rates. A major reason is stigma; in many communities, seeking mental health support carries shame or is seen as a sign of weakness.

The good news is that a clinician’s response in these pivotal moments can make all the difference. Research on multicultural counseling shows that directly acknowledging and respecting a client’s cultural perspective strengthens the therapeutic alliance and improves outcomes.

Drawing on the principles of cultural humility and motivational interviewing, the following five scripts offer practical, rapport-building replies. Each is concise enough to use in the moment and is followed by an explanation of why it works.

1. The Normalizer: Making Therapy Feel Familiar and Acceptable

Script: “I understand that you feel unsure about therapy—a lot of people from your community feel the same way at first. It makes sense to wonder if this process fits with your beliefs. Think of it like having a coach or mentor for your mind. I’m here to support you in solving problems, not to label anyone as ‘crazy.’ Many folks I’ve seen were hesitant initially, and it turned out to be more like talking things through with a guide, nothing scary.”

Why it Works

This approach validates the client’s skepticism as normal and reframes therapy in relatable, non-stigmatizing terms. By reassuring the client that “you’re not the only one,” you reduce their sense of isolation. This normalization lowers shame and defensiveness, making the client feel understood instead of judged.

• Psychoeducation: Offering an analogy (e.g., therapist-as-coach) demystifies what therapy is and isn’t. When clients know what to expect, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

  
  

• Counters Stigma: Many cultures equate therapy with weakness. This script actively counters that misconception by framing it as a strength-building activity, like going to the gym for your mind.

  
  

• Builds Safety: Reminding the client that therapy is confidential directly addresses the fear of shame within their community.

  
  

2. The Bridge-Builder: Connecting Therapy to Cultural Values

Script: “I know in your culture, when someone is struggling, they might turn to family, elders, or prayer. Those are powerful supports. We can build a bridge between those traditions and our work here. If faith and family are important to you, we can absolutely include them in our conversations. Think of this as another way to find strength—much like how your community comes together in tough times. We’re not here to replace what you believe in; we’re here to add to it.”

Why it Works

The Bridge-Builder shows the client that therapy doesn't have to conflict with their cultural framework—it can complement it. Instead of imposing a Western model, you find common ground between the goals of therapy and the client’s existing coping methods.

• Honors Cultural Wisdom: You explicitly acknowledge and validate the client’s cultural traditions (family, faith, community), communicating respect.

  
  

• Promotes Integration: This script invites cultural and spiritual elements into the session, a practice known as “broaching.” Research has linked broaching to stronger therapeutic alliances and better outcomes.

  
  

• Reduces Fear of Betrayal: It reassures the client that they won’t be forced to abandon their heritage. The message is clear: "Your culture’s approaches are valid—let’s weave them together with therapy." This transforms a potential culture clash into a collaboration.

  
  

3. The Collaborator: Inviting the Client to Shape the Process

Script: “You know your life and culture better than anyone—that makes you the expert here. I have some training in techniques that help with stress and emotions, but I want us to work together in a way that truly fits you. Maybe you can teach me what usually helps people from your background when they’re feeling overwhelmed. We can then blend those approaches with some of the tools I have. How does that sound? We’ll collaborate and adjust as we go.”

Why it Works

This script flips the typical power dynamic and empowers the client by positioning them as an expert on their own experience. When clients feel like respected partners rather than passive recipients, resistance often decreases.

• Fosters Shared Ownership: People are more likely to engage in something they’ve helped create. Co-creating goals and methods ensures the client feels therapy is being done with them, not to them.

  
  

• Demonstrates Humility: By asking the client to "teach" you, you show a genuine willingness to learn, which is a cornerstone of cultural humility.

  
  

• Increases Trust: According to motivational interviewing principles, a collaborative partnership is key. When clients sense this spirit, they become more willing to open up, leading to a stronger alliance.

  
  

4. The Story-Sharer: Using a Success Story to Instill Hope

Script: “Can I share a quick story? I once worked with someone from a similar background who felt the same way—his family thought therapy was strange, and he almost didn’t come back. What we did was take things at his pace and made sure to include his cultural values. After a few weeks, he told me he was glad he gave it a try because it helped him see his situation in a new light. Everyone is different, of course, but I thought you might like to know that others from your community have benefited when therapy was done in a respectful way.”

Why it Works

Sharing an anonymized success story provides the client with a concrete example that therapy can help someone "like them." This technique leverages the power of social proof and hope.

• Challenges Negative Beliefs: Hearing about a similar person who found value in therapy can challenge the belief that “people like me don’t do this.”

  
  

• Reduces Stigma: Studies have found that hearing positive, outcomes-focused stories from therapy clients increases optimism and reduces the fear of being judged for seeking help.

  
  

• Builds Therapist Credibility: The story subtly conveys that you have experience navigating these exact cultural concerns, which increases the client’s confidence in your cultural competence. Just be sure to add the disclaimer, "Everyone is different, of course," to maintain humility and manage expectations.

  
  

5. The Trial Agreement: Encouraging a No-Pressure Trial Period

Script: “How about this—let’s try a couple more sessions, almost like a test run. If after, say, three sessions you feel like this just isn’t for you or it doesn’t respect what you believe, no hard feelings. We can stop or look for another solution that feels right. You’re not committing to anything long-term right now. We can treat these next few meetings as an experiment. Does that sound okay?”

Why it Works

This approach lowers the stakes and reduces the fear of a long, intimidating commitment. For a skeptical client, a short-term trial is far more palatable than an open-ended therapeutic process.

• Respects Autonomy: The script emphasizes that the client is in control. By saying "no hard feelings" and offering to help find an alternative, you show that your primary concern is their well-being, not just keeping them as a client.

  
  

• Rolls with Resistance: This strategy aligns with motivational interviewing’s principle of "rolling with resistance" rather than fighting it. You acknowledge the client's ambivalence and invite them to explore therapy on their own terms.

  
  

• Creates Opportunity for a "Small Win": During the trial period, the therapist can focus on building rapport and helping the client achieve a minor goal or experience a moment of relief. These early positive experiences can shift a client’s perspective from “this isn’t for us” to “maybe this can help me.”

  
  

Beyond the First Session: Ensuring Ongoing Cultural Comfort

Using these scripts is a great start, but cultural sensitivity is an ongoing process. A few sessions in, it’s crucial to check in with open-ended questions like:

• “How has this process been for you so far?”

• “Is there anything we should be doing differently to make this feel more comfortable for you?”

  
  

Inviting this feedback reinforces that the client's cultural needs matter throughout therapy, not just at the intake.

If family influence is strong, consider engaging them with the client’s permission. A joint session to explain what therapy is (and isn't) can demystify the process for loved ones and transform them from skeptics into allies.

Conclusion

When a client says, “My culture doesn’t believe in therapy,” it’s a critical moment. By using these five scripts—the Normalizer, Bridge-Builder, Collaborator, Story-Sharer, and Trial Agreement—you can navigate this challenge with empathy, respect, and skill.

The underlying theme is collaboration. By normalizing fears, connecting to cultural values, sharing power, instilling hope, and lowering pressure, you send a powerful message: “I see you, I respect where you come from, and we will make this work for you—on your terms.”

This approach not only strengthens the therapeutic alliance but also helps close the mental health gap for marginalized communities, making therapy a more inclusive and effective space for everyone.