A Narrative Study of Immigrant Therapists’ Experiences of Working Professionally in the Cultural Context of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

There are increasing numbers of foreign-born therapists working around the world and also in Aotearoa New Zealand. The experiences of these immigrant therapists, however, have received almost no research attention, despite substantial research into experiences of immigration and a growing interest in cross-cultural therapy. This qualitative interview study was therefore designed to examine the experiences of immigrant therapists currently working in Aotearoa New Zealand who had undergone their professional training overseas. The study aimed to understand their experiences of cultural differences, the impact of migration on their experiences of working therapeutically and their sense of self as professionals, and how their experiences changed over time. Fifteen therapists (14 registered psychologists and 1 registered psychotherapist) with a minimum of two years’ work experience in New Zealand were recruited to take part in in-depth interviews guided by a narrative approach. Two types of analysis – a narrative thematic analysis and an analysis of the participants’ narratives over time – were conducted. The results of the analyses revealed the initial challenges that immigrant therapists experienced while working professionally, the types of support they considered important, and the changes in their experiences over time. Most participants experienced a range of minor initial challenges. These included the prevalence of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches in their workplace in contrast to their previous experience outside Aotearoa New Zealand, unfamiliar processes and systems in their workplaces, and learning new policies, laws, or ways of working. Some participants experienced challenges in the initial stages with cultural differences (particularly when experiencing an awareness of their own difference), while other participants were initially unfamiliar with aspects of New Zealand and Māori culture. Therapists expressed a range of personal responses to some of these challenges, including surprise, frustration, worry, exhaustion, or shock. Over time, most participants gained access to support that was helpful for them, made professional connections, and had more opportunities that allowed them to experience a sense of “familiarity” and “ease”. Having a clinical supervisor, and personal or professional colleagues to connect with and process experiences were particularly beneficial. The results also demonstrate that the majority of the participants adapted over time, developing and gaining more confidence in themselves and experiencing a sense of professional growth. The majority of participants also spoke of positive experiences with cultural training and supervision in working with Māori and other cultural groups. This included the benefits obtained from learning protocols and Māori practices. Many described a sense of growth in self as a professional and a realignment of their identity over time. Several therapists also reflected on what they considered as the advantages of being an immigrant when working therapeutically in New Zealand. Some therapists spoke of taking a naïve inquirer stance and being genuinely curious with their clients, using their language difficulties to decrease power discrepancies, and discussing their differences in therapy. The study contributes to the international literature on immigrant therapists and supports the extensive literature on the processes of acculturation. In particular, the findings support the notion that the processing of identity is ongoing and for an immigrant experiencing acculturation and adaptation, the restructuring of identity is likely to develop and change over time. The implications of the study and future research directions are discussed.