Microaggressions and the experiences of multiracial clients in psychotherapy: a qualitative investigation

Abstract

Although the importance of cultural competence for mental health professionals is widely agreed upon, it is often difficult to evaluate how this occurs in practice. The present study used a qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of multiracial individuals in therapy with a particular focus on how race was addressed within the therapy relationships. Researchers investigated: 1) which, if any, microaggressions came up during psychotherapy, 2) how multiracial individuals made sense of microaggressions in therapy, and 3) what contributed to more positive experiences of discussing race in therapy. Thirteen multiracial individuals from various racial backgrounds were interviewed about their experiences in psychotherapy. Analyses revealed three major themes that occurred in all 13 interviews: therapist microaggressions, helpful therapist behaviors around race, and the impact of microaggressions in therapy. Multiracial microaggressions in the present study included: avoiding/minimizing race in therapy; denial of multiracial reality; stereotypical assumptions based on race; second-class status and treatment of multiracial people. Microaggressions negatively impacted the therapy experience such that many clients who experienced microaggressions felt worse, struggled with the dilemma of whether or not to confront microaggressions, became more guarded, felt therapy was not helpful, and ended therapy early. In addition to the themes of microaggressions in therapy, the present study also highlighted a number of positive ways that therapists addressed race with their multiracial clients. Results from the present study highlight both challenges and opportunities of doing culturally sensitive work with multiracial individuals.