Immigration & Trauma Part 4: For Therapists Working with Immigrants

In this final part of our series on immigration trauma, we turn to therapists. Working with immigrant clients can be rewarding and powerful, but it takes understanding, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility. From cultural differences to the trauma that often comes with immigration, therapists need to approach this work with a trauma-informed, multicultural mindset.

Immigrants face unique challenges, and therapists need the right tools to help them navigate those challenges. If you're new to this series, you can start with Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Trauma-informed therapy and multicultural competency

When working with immigrants, a trauma-informed approach is vital.

This means recognizing that many immigrants have experienced trauma, whether through displacement, the immigration process itself, discrimination, or persecution, and understanding how those experiences can affect their social, physical, and mental well-being.

Keep in mind that clients' emotional responses and behaviours may have developed naturally to protect them. Stay open and empathetic, even when you don't understand something right away.

Multicultural competency is just as important as a trauma-informed lens, but what does it mean? It isn't about knowing everything about a client's culture. That would be impossible. It's about being curious and open-minded, and accepting that your own cultural norms may not always fit your client's experiences.

If you come from an individualistic culture and your client comes from a collectivist one, for example, you may find they see family dynamics and boundaries differently. A client might share frustration with their parents, and you might think, why don't they just move out, or set boundaries? But that may not be a solution that fits their cultural framework.

Instead of imposing your worldview, get curious about theirs. Try to understand where they're coming from, and validate their experiences. Together, explore how they can express their needs in ways that honour their culture and values.

Dismantling bias and assumptions

Working with immigrants also means examining our own biases and assumptions.

As therapists, and as humans, we all have biases, whether conscious or unconscious. It's crucial that we actively work to identify and dismantle them, so we don't unknowingly reinforce harmful stereotypes or oppressive practices. That means learning and unlearning, to decolonize therapy from the White, Eurocentric, colonizing perspective that is still so dominant in the field.

We need to educate ourselves so we don't put the burden of education on our clients. Call out not only yourself, but also your communities, colleagues, and workplaces when you notice oppression and harmful messages.

Everyone who has immigrated has their own story. Avoid making assumptions about a client's story and identity before you understand the full picture. Their distress or grief may not be a problem to fix. It may be a natural, valid response to their lived experience. Take the time to get to know your client's story, and how their immigration experience has shaped their mental health.

Collaborating with clients and supporting their needs

Effective therapy is collaborative.

Learn about the resources your clients need, and help them access those resources. As therapists, we don't have to know everything, but we should be proactive in finding resources that can help. For example, if a client's first language isn't English, offer support with language barriers in therapy, and perhaps outside of it.

Beyond language, cultural barriers can also make it hard to access services, so I encourage you to actively look for culturally appropriate resources too.

Creativity can be a powerful tool when working with immigrants. Some cultures don't have direct translations for concepts that are central to Western therapy. For example, in working with Korean clients, I noticed there is no direct translation for self-compassion. Instead, I found that words like mercy, foster, or care resonated more with many clients.

By thinking creatively and adapting your approach, you can meet clients where they are and communicate in ways that are meaningful to them.

Adjusting assessments and techniques

It's essential to adapt your assessment tools and methods to fit your client's cultural context.

Immigrants might downplay or normalize their struggles, because these difficulties are often seen as a natural part of their cultural experience. Keep this in mind when assessing their mental health. Instead of expecting them to talk about distress the way someone from the dominant culture might, ask questions that take their cultural background and experiences into account.

Self-disclosure: connecting as humans

Self-disclosure can be a helpful strategy when working with immigrant clients.

Sharing your own background and experiences, especially if you come from an immigrant or marginalized community, can help build trust and a sense of connection. Self-disclosure should always fit the situation, and your own comfort level should guide how much you share.

By being authentic and transparent, you can help clients feel seen and understood, which can be an important part of the therapeutic relationship. Go to them as a human. The moment we walk into the room, we are already disclosing ourselves.

Resources for understanding immigration-related trauma

It's hard to learn about immigration-related trauma and mental health without also learning about decolonizing therapy, anti-oppression and anti-racism, and trauma healing.

Understanding this topic takes more than clinical knowledge. Therapists should also engage with resources on the broader social, cultural, and historical context of immigration. Memoirs and novels by immigrants can also be valuable, even though they aren't clinical or academic, because they offer firsthand perspectives on immigrants' experiences and struggles.

Books on decolonizing therapy and anti-oppressive practice:

• Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies by Renee Linklater
• Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice by Jennifer Mullan
• My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem

Sometimes the best resources aren't on paper, but out in the world. Consider getting involved with immigrant-focused organizations, cultural associations, or newcomer societies. Volunteering, consulting, or simply spending time with immigrants can offer valuable insight into their lived experiences.

Seeking advice from BIPOC therapists and immigrant therapists can also be invaluable for understanding cultural dynamics in therapy more deeply.

A journey of learning

Working with immigrant clients is an opportunity to expand our understanding and practice as therapists.

It asks us to bring openness, curiosity, and deep respect for cultural differences. By examining our own biases, understanding the unique challenges of immigration, and adapting our approach to meet our clients' needs, we can create a space where healing can happen in a culturally sensitive and empowering way.

As therapists, we are all on a journey of learning. The more we educate ourselves, the better we can support our clients. With an open heart and mind, we can be the kind of ally and guide that immigrants need in their healing.

Trauma Therapy in Alberta

If you're an immigrant looking for a therapist who understands your experience, reaching out for support can help.

Trauma therapy offers a space where your cultural context and history are part of your care, not overlooked. A therapist can help you feel understood, not just accommodated.

You deserve care that sees your full story.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis or at risk of harm, please get help now. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call or text 988 any time for suicide and crisis support. For more options, see our crisis support page.

About the Author

Jiwon You is a Registered Psychologist specializing in trauma therapy and self-esteem therapy with adults. She is passionate about helping people heal from trauma and self-criticism so they can feel better and live more fulfilling lives. Jiwon offers services in Korean and English.