Black people’s experiences of therapy

There are many health inequalities experienced by Black African-Caribbean communities within the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA). Individual, interpersonal and structural factors associated with these inequalities, may impact access to therapy, and the experience and outcomes of psychological therapy. Studies looking at Black people’s experiences of therapy have been helpful in identifying helpful and unhelpful processes however, there have been no prior reviews collating these experiences. This review explores and synthesises data from qualitative studies focusing on Black people’s experiences of different models of psychological therapy in the UK and USA. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A thematic synthesis was conducted, creating six overall themes; impact of racism and stereotypes, socio-cultural perceptions of mental health, therapeutic alliance, positive change within therapy, helpful and unhelpful structures of therapy and cultural adaptation. Generally, Black people who participated in the studies reported positive experiences of therapy, which was facilitated by a positive therapeutic alliance, acquiring specific skills, and appropriate cultural adaptation. Further research is required in examining Black people’s experience of therapy within different settings within the UK, as most of the studies identified were based in the USA.