Linguistically- and Culturally-Sensitive Psychotherapy: Improving Communications to Improve Outcomes
This project examines how language and cultural differences can affect the quality and effectiveness of psychotherapy, particularly for people experiencing anxiety or depression. When clients and therapists do not share the same linguistic or cultural background, misunderstandings can arise that may interfere with treatment.
Building on previous research supported by Dialogue McGill, the study aims to test strategies that help therapists better address these communication challenges. It will combine a review of existing research, an analysis of real therapeutic interactions, and an evaluation of interventions designed to improve communication and outcomes over time.
The study includes 12 participants from migrant or minority backgrounds who speak English as a second language and prefer another official language. Some will receive therapy in a matching language context, while others will experience a language mismatch, allowing for comparison of experiences and outcomes.
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the project will explore how misunderstandings arise in therapy and how they can be reduced. The results are expected to improve mental health care for linguistically diverse populations in Quebec and inform training for therapists working in multicultural settings more broadly.
Outputs:
Publications in progress: A peer-reviewed article is in preparation examining how linguistic and cultural barriers affect psychotherapy, how they can be addressed, and their impact on treatment outcomes (quantitative analysis completed).
Knowledge tools: Development of the Acculturation Toolkit, an online resource to support second-language training for clinicians, building on tools refined through this project.
Published outputs: Four encyclopedia entries on cultural-clinical psychology published in the SAGE Encyclopedia of Depression and Anxiety, incorporating findings from the team’s systematic review.
Knowledge mobilization:
Participation in an expert workshop (June 2024) featuring research funded by Dialogue McGill.
Keynote presentation (September 2024) highlighting this project and related funded research.
Next steps: A training and dissemination workshop, integrating materials from this and previous funded projects, is planned for Fall 2025.