Meeting Needs with Therapy: Refugee and Therapist Experiences of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Current conflict across the world has led to unprecedented displacement of people. Research has captured the wide-ranging consequences of displacement on health and emotional wellbeing, identifying that refugees and asylum seekers require help and support in many areas of their lives. One of the resources available to them in the UKis psychodynamic psychotherapy. This study was the first of its kind to explore the experience of psychodynamic psychotherapy from the perspective of refugee and asylum seeker clients, and therapists working with those populations. Using a qualitative design, nine participants shared their experiences of psychodynamic psychotherapy in semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis identified six themes to describe participants’ experiences of psychodynamic psychotherapy within a distinct service context. The findings emphasise the unique experiences of clients and therapists, and the different starting points and needs that clients have at the beginning of therapy. Psychodynamic psychotherapy within the service under study is viewed positively by participants but also used flexibly. It is adapted through the modification of the therapeutic frame, joint working with other professionals and an active role in supporting needs including immigration and integration. Specific elements of the psychodynamic model that are helpful for refugees and asylum seekers are identified along with clinical and research recommendations.