How to Navigate Cultural and Value Differences in Therapy with Dr. Doug Novotny | Moral Foundations Theory | Clinical Practice | Clinical Skills

How to Navigate Cultural and Value Differences in Therapy with Dr. Doug Novotny | Moral Foundations Theory | Clinical Practice | Clinical Skills

March 25, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 282

About this episode

In this episode, Lisa Mustard and Dr. Doug Novotny discuss navigating cultural and value differences in therapy using moral foundations theory.

🫐Sponsored by Berries: Use code TherapyShow50 for $50 off your first month - CLICK HERE for a free trial .🫐 In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Doug Novotny to explore how therapists can better navigate cultural and value differences in therapy without becoming political or losing clinical clarity. We unpack what "culture" really means (beyond identity labels) and how moral foundations theory can help you understand your clients and yourself, on a deeper level. We also talk about why values are always present in therapy, even when we try to avoid them, and how to work with them ethically and effectively. Inside this episode, we cover: ✔️ How to navigate cultural differences in therapy sessions ✔️ Why therapists often misunderstand culture (and what to do instead) ✔️ The role of values and morals in clinical work ✔️ How to stay neutral without ignoring what matters ✔️ The difference between validating feelings vs. agreeing with beliefs ✔️ How moral "blind spots" impact therapists and clients If you've ever felt unsure about how to handle political, cultural, or value-based differences in your sessions, this conversation will give you a practical framework you can start using…

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