Abstract
The present study focuses on the experiences of 182 multilingual clients who had been exposed to various therapeutic approaches in various countries. An on-line questionnaire was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis of feedback from clients with multilingual therapists showed that clients use or initiate significantly more code-switching (CS) than their therapists, and that it typically occurs when the emotional tone is raised. Gender was unrelated to CS frequency. CS is used strategically when discussing episodes of trauma and shame, creating proximity or distance. CS allows clients to express themselves more fully to the therapist, adding depth and nuance to the therapy. The therapist’s multilingualism promotes empathy and clients’ own multilingualism constitutes an important aspect of their sense of self. Multilingual clients benefit from a therapeutic environment where multilingualism is appreciated, and where they can use CS.
Highlights
Over the past decade various attempts have been made to address the design and relevance of social and health services for an increasingly diverse population
The research described in this paper aims to open up the discussion about multilingualism and therapy; to listen to and to convey the voice of the multilingual client; and to compare and contrast the views of multilingual clients with the views of multilingual therapists
A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed that CS originated more from the 84 multilingual clients than from their multilingual therapists
Summary
Researchers have focused on the nature and challenges of offering psychological support and therapy across cultures (Eleftheriadou, 2010; Fernando, 2010; Fernando & Keating, 2009; Lago, 2006; Lowe, 2013; Martinovic & Altarriba, 2013). Marcos (1976) is one of the pioneering studies in this domain. Being forced to use an LX has both advantages and disadvantages for clients. They risk encountering encoding difficulties ‘in integrating emotions and experiences, the displacement and blocking of affects, and the reinforcement of obsessive resistances [which] may give rise to misinterpretations and distortions of their problems’. They risk encountering encoding difficulties ‘in integrating emotions and experiences, the displacement and blocking of affects, and the reinforcement of obsessive resistances [which] may give rise to misinterpretations and distortions of their problems’. (p. 552) the emotional distancing linked to the use of the LX, which he calls the detachment effect, ‘may facilitate the verbalization of highly charged material by clients who feel "protected" by the linguistic detachment’. (p. 552)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
