Exploring The African Immigrants Attitude to Psychotherapy: A Clinical Perspective on Barriers, Beliefs, And Cultural Considerations.

Abstract

This study explores the perspectives of practicing psychotherapists in Ireland on the attitude of African immigrants toward psychotherapy. Using a qualitative design, semi structured interviews were conducted with six accredited psychotherapists with experience working with African immigrant clients. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, generating three overarching themes: cultural framework and interpretation of distress; barriers to engagement including risk, mistrust and structural constraints; and the negotiation of engagement through trust, safety and adaptive practice. Findings suggest that African immigrants’ engagement with psychotherapy is shaped by culturally embedded understandings of distress, perceptions of institutional risk, and the relational work of therapists in building safety over time. These findings extend existing literature by highlighting the centrality of perceived risk and negotiated trust within therapeutic encounters, aspects that standard cultural competence frameworks do not fully address. The study contributes to the development of culturally responsive psychotherapy practice and policy within the Irish context.