Understanding Psychotherapy Experiences with Non-Western Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates
[Thesis]
Mendonca, Clarice
Nath, Sanjay R.
Widener University
2019
130 p.
Ps.D.
Widener University
2019
Expatriates, who form a subset of immigrants not defined by forced relocation and associated traumas, form the majority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Though there is substantial research on the local population in the UAE, little is known about psychotherapy with expatriate clients, particularly those of non-Western descent, and more particularly those from South, Southeast and Central Asia, and Africa. The present study is a pioneering attempt at exploring the nature of psychotherapy with non-Western expatriate clientele in the UAE. The study was carried out in two phases using a mixed methods approach. During the first phase of the research 119 mental health professionals responded to a questionnaire regarding their demographic, educational, and professional histories. Results indicated much diversity, particularly in terms of culture, education, expertise, and practices. The second phase involved semi-structured interviews with 10 psychotherapists regarding their knowledge and experiences with non-Western expatriate clients. Qualitative analysis revealed themes across the interviews pertaining to contextual factors (including non-Western values, implications of migrating to the UAE, and the mental health system), presenting profile (including barriers that hinder treatment, strengths that augment treatment, and ways in which psychotherapy is initiated), and the nature of psychotherapy (including its structure, and the characteristics of both client and therapist). Implications and future directions in light of these results are also elucidated.