'Consider the object of offering refuge' when exploring the therapist experience of working with refugees supported by an interpreter 'a mille fois' of experience. An exploration using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Ash, Alison

Abstract

The world is experiencing an ever-increasing growth in the number of displaced refugee persons across the globe; individuals who have fled their homeland due to force and fear for their life. It is widely acknowledged these individuals have often experienced torture, violence, loss, pain and a violation of their human rights. Research indicates a strong connection with unique mental health difficulties in this group of people and based on this, there has been a growth in the provision of mental health services for refugees in western countries. Due to language difficulties an interpreter is required in mental healthcare to work alongside the therapist and the refugee client creating a triadic setting. However, it is not clear whether, or how, this impacts the therapist.

The aim of this research was to explore the therapist’s experience of working in this triad in order to investigate how their work is impacted by the interpreter, and how language and emotion are conveyed. A study into how therapeutic work is experienced in this context is important to understand how, and whether, service providers could improve their offering.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to collect and analyse data from semi-structured interviews of six participants who have been working as therapists with refugees supported by an interpreter for over two years.

Five superordinate themes emerged from the data; the union of government and mental health systems; challenges of interpreting emotion, language and culture; control – the bridge within the triad; the therapist role and the interpreter’s presence.

This study’s contribution to knowledge brings a focus on the therapist and the broader influences that may impact the therapeutic relationship when working with refugees. These may include the potential for greater training for the therapist and the interpreter and the possibility of greater self-care. The therapist feelings of being unheard and frustrations with the government systems were highlighted which may contribute to the sense of the triad possibly not being offered enough support.

Implications for counselling psychology, limitations and avenues for further research are discussed.

Citation

Ash, A. 'Consider the object of offering refuge' when exploring the therapist experience of working with refugees supported by an interpreter 'a mille fois' of experience. An exploration using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9613019

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 12, 2023
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9613019
• Award Date: May 12, 2023