Cognitive Analytic Therapists' Experiences of Working With Ethnic Minority Clients: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Elin Margetts, Jenny Bowe, John R. E. Fox, Anam ElahiABSTRACT
Objectives
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a relational therapy offered within the National Health Service (NHS). This study aimed to explore the experiences of therapists using CAT with ethnic minority clients, including how they engage with issues of power and identity which are often neglected in psychotherapy.
Method
Individual, semi‐structured interviews were conducted remotely with seven cognitive analytic therapists who had experience of working therapeutically with ethnic minority clients. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results
Four Group Experiential Themes (GETs) were generated: (1) Broaching identity in CAT: Balancing relational risks and responsibility; (2) Navigating positionality and power within CAT; (3) Seeing the bigger picture: The power of integrating identity in CAT (4) CAT within the limits of unequal systems.
Conclusion
Acknowledging and exploring aspects of power and identity felt important and meaningful, with the model providing a strong framework for this work. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.