Faith in the therapy room: A qualitative study of Canadian immigrant’s untold stories
Abstract
This study, part of a larger project, explores how 10 mental health professionals (MHPs) integrate faith practices into their counseling sessions with 10 immigrant clients who identify as people of faith. This article focuses on the clients’ perspectives, examining how MHPs accommodated their faith and faith practices within the counseling context. This research
addresses significant knowledge gaps by investigating how faith influences the therapeutic experience of immigrant clients, highlighting often-overlooked mental health and systemic challenges. More so, this investigation delves into faith’s pivotal role in the therapy room, informing faith-inclusive care. This
approach integrates spiritual beliefs and religious values into treatment plans to foster comfort, trust, and well-being. By addressing the diverse needs of immigrant clients, this study enhances mental health outcomes and well-being, ensuring their unique voices are heard and valued.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
1) Investigate key factors influencing mental health outcomes among immigrant clients of faith.
2) Explore how religious beliefs and practices impact coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of trauma and stress.
Key findings:
The authors identified 9 themes and 22 sub-themes from the interview data, where the themes were:
1) Using faith as a coping strategy
2) Relationship with faith changed post-migration
3) Invalidation of racism in practice
4) Counselors’ failure to address faith
5) Faith as a “free flowing process”
6) Cultural stigma surrounding mental illness
7) Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship
8) Faith and trauma
9) Barriers to mental health help-seeking
Key populations: “Immigrant clients of faith in Alberta”. Participants reported their religions as: Buddhist, Christian, unspecified, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist, Spiritual/Rastafarianism, Muslim and Catholic
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: n/a
Integration timeline: not defined
Key recommendations:
1) Implement faith-based models in therapy practice, and assess its effectiveness
2) Create faith-based, trauma aware programming and therapy modalities
Location: Alberta, not otherwise specified