An analysis of KwaZulu-Natal clinical psychologists’ multicultural experience

Abstract

In this article, perspectives of South African clinical psychologists (based in KwaZulu-Natal) regarding multicultural issues in clinical practice and training are presented. The discussion focuses on emergent themes from 13 qualitative semi-structured interviews. Themes from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and techniques from a grounded theory approach. While the study focused on a number of contextual multicultural issues both in service delivery and in training, this article documents the experiences of clinical psychologists regarding multicultural challenges and concerns, as well as approaches and capacities used to improve service delivery in this area. These perspectives are important in the multicultural and multilingual South African context, where there is limited literature in this area as well as related aspects such as cultural competency. There are many different belief systems as well as historical and sociopolitical factors that may influence how clinicians and individuals presenting for treatment may understand their experience and symptoms. This article seeks to document some of the challenges this may present in terms of service delivery in this context. Understandings of the term cultural competence as well as suggestions (primarily as noted by participants) to address the gap between training, competencies, and the realities of service delivery are also presented. Questions and considerations for future research are also raised.