Considerations for Psychotherapy with Immigrant Women of Arab/Middle Eastern Descent

Abstract

Among the many consequences immediately following 9/11, Arab/Middle Eastern Americans—who were less visible prior to the attacks—became a hyper visible ethnic minority group. As a result, Arab/Middle Easterners reported a sharp increase in discrimination and subsequently experienced maladaptive mental health outcomes. Although some scholars have discussed therapy with Arab/Middle Easterners, very little has been written about Arab/Middle Eastern women in particular. This article discusses cultural influences, acculturation experiences and gender roles that may impact psychotherapy with women of Arab/Middle Eastern descent. Considerations for non-Middle Eastern therapists working with this population will be discussed, especially the potential cultural mismatch with feminist theories and common misconceptions about Arab/Middle Eastern women. A case presentation is provided to illustrate the concepts.