Do You Actually Understand Me?
Written by Jaskaran Soomal, Mental Health Mentor
Jaskaran Soomal is well-known in the realm of mental health and mindfulness. She is the founder of A Mindful Message, an online platform dedicated to mental wellness, the publisher of well-being journals, and an advocate speaker for international students.
The “therapeutic relationship,” in my opinion, is one of the most crucial elements for a successful outcome in therapy. The strength of a therapeutic relationship is dependent on how open and raw you are with the therapist. In other words, you can only get to the root of problems by uprooting the surface issues.
Language and culture can either make no difference in therapy or make all the difference. For example, someone may spend 20 minutes of their 55-minute paid session explaining the cultural nuances of relationships; this can then become an issue.
The back and forth between client and therapist may prevent the client from coming back or exploring deeper issues. Therefore, it makes it harder for clients to receive the support they need. How well a therapist can support their client is largely dependent on understanding and resonating with their background.
Understanding language barriers in therapy
Effective therapy relies on clear communication. Language isn’t just words; it includes cultural context and nuances.
Language barriers occur when there is a mismatch between the language spoken by the therapist and the client. These barriers can lead to misunderstandings, reduced trust, and less effective therapy.
Check your comfort level
Assess if you feel comfortable and understood in your therapy sessions. Notice if there are moments when you struggle to express yourself or understand your therapist. Pay attention to any frequent misunderstandings or confusion during sessions. If you or your therapist often need to repeat or rephrase things, it could indicate a barrier.
Discuss language needs
Clients should inform their therapist about their preferred language and any specific needs. Get signposted to organisations that focus on overcoming cultural and language barriers, like “A Mindful Message”. Request written summaries or materials in your preferred language (if it's included in your terms of business).
After discussing important topics, practitioners should summarise what was said to ensure mutual understanding. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear to get the most out of the sessions
Finding a therapist who speaks your language
Confirm that the therapist is fluent in your language and has experience in therapy. Ensure they understand your cultural background and how it influences communication. In the initial consultation, have a preliminary discussion about your language and cultural needs. Assess if the therapist’s language skills and approach meet your requirements by determining whether you can be open and honest with this person.
Adapting therapy for better understanding
Practitioners should consider incorporating visual aids or diagrams if they help in understanding complex topics. Let your therapist know if you have trouble understanding or if there are language issues. Offer suggestions on how the communication process can be improved, regularly review how well communication is working, and make adjustments as needed. Assess whether the adjustments are helping you feel more understood and share this information.
Effective solutions to language barriers
Recent research and success stories show that addressing language barriers in therapy leads to better outcomes. For instance, a study in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” found that clients who used language services and had bilingual therapists reported higher satisfaction and better therapeutic progress. Effective communication supports a stronger therapeutic relationship and more successful outcomes.
Ensuring you are understood in therapy
Language barriers can impact the effectiveness of therapy. With the right steps, you can ensure clear and effective communication, identify potential barriers, discuss your language needs, and seek out therapists who understand your linguistic and cultural background. By actively addressing these issues, you can improve your therapeutic experience and achieve better outcomes. Remember, effective therapy starts with communication.
Jaskaran Soomal, Mental Health Mentor
Jaskaran Soomal is a pioneer in the field of mental health, dedicated to breaking down language and cultural barriers in accessing healthcare. Utilizing self-awareness and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, she has developed a blueprint guide for achieving optimal health. She is the founder of A Mindful Message, an initiative aimed at promoting mental wellness through accessible and inclusive approaches. Her mission: To build the world's most human-centric multilingual mental health service.
Reference:
Nguyen, T., & Patel, R. (2023). "Bridging the Gap: The Role of Language Services in Enhancing Therapy Outcomes." Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(4), 551-564.
