Understanding Perceived Barriers to Therapeutic Engagement among Ethnic Minority Clients: A Qualitative Exploration of UK Therapists’ Perspectives

I am currently undertaking an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Wolverhampton, and I am inviting qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and counselling psychologists based in the UK to participate in my research study.

Participants should be currently practising or have recent clinical experience and have professional experience of working with clients from ethnic minority backgrounds. Therapeutic engagement is an important part of counselling and psychotherapy. Research suggests that people from ethnic minority backgrounds may experience inequalities in accessing and engaging with psychological services. Cultural, interpersonal, and structural factors may influence engagement. However, less attention has been given to how therapists understand and perceive these factors within their professional practice.

This study therefore explores UK therapists’ perspectives on perceived barriers to therapeutic engagement among clients from ethnic minority backgrounds. The study aims to explore how UK therapists understand and perceive barriers that may influence therapeutic engagement among clients from ethnic minority backgrounds. It will consider therapists’ perspectives on cultural, relational, interpersonal, structural, and systemic factors that may shape engagement.

The study will also explore how therapists respond to perceived difficulties with engagement and the strategies they consider helpful in supporting engagement. The findings may contribute to a greater understanding of culturally responsive therapeutic practice and potentially inform therapist training, clinical supervision, and the development of more inclusive psychological services. Importantly, the study focuses on therapists’ perspectives and interpretations. It does not seek to establish what ethnic minority clients experience or identify objective causes of difficulties with engagement.

Data will be collected through one-to-one semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 45–60 minutes. Interviews will consist of open-ended questions, allowing participants to discuss their professional experiences, perspectives, and interpretations in depth. Interviews will take place either online via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face, depending on participant preference. With informed consent, interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Participants may decline to answer any question or stop the interview at any time.

The research aims to contribute to a greater understanding of therapeutic engagement and support the development of more culturally responsive and inclusive therapeutic practice. Participation is voluntary, and confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained throughout the research process.

If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact: Kemehalo Juliette Awili MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy University of Wolverhampton Email: K.J.Awili@wlv.ac.uk.

Thank you for considering taking part in this research. Your professional perspective could make a valuable contribution to understanding therapeutic engagement within culturally diverse therapeutic settings.

Please see here to view the participant information sheet.