Do not assume that you and the client share the same understandings of various
events and issues.
Do not assume that every person with the same cultural background has the same
views or values. Some may be more influenced than others by the "majority" culture.
Some may have chosen not to identify with certain elements of their own cultural background.
Some clients may even feel extremely alienated from their backgrounds or from
people of the same background. This is a very uncomfortable position to be in.
It is helpful to be able to appreciate those cultural values that the person affirms.
This does not mean that you must affirm them. It does mean being sensitive to
the feeling that the person has about the value, and being open to learning about
the value, whether it is a belief, a tradition, or some other element.
Actually, this type of sensitivity is also appropriate in helping people whose values
you think you share. Your apparent sameness may mask deep differences about
important values.