Even the most empathetic and conscientious therapists may find their ability to relate to and be empathetic with their clients under strain when working with clients from a cultural background that is very different from the therapist’s own experiences. The concept of empathy implies that all humans can in some measure relate to all other humans, and while this may be true, it must also be acknowledged that empathy is limited by cultural differences, often in ways that are so subtle that it is difficult to detect them. This paper considers the intersection of culture and therapeutic practice in a number of specific instances, looking at how therapists may best help clients who are Soviet Jews, Polish, Arabic and Armenian.