Cultural differences impacting on therapists’ interpretation and understanding of clients’ appraisals in post-traumatic stress disorder

The primary aim of this study is to explore the impact of cultural differences on therapists' interpretation and understanding of clients' appraisals in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A review of the literature provides only limited information on how therapists interpret and understand clients' appraisals in PTSD. Most of the studies reviewed indicate that cultural differences impact clients' appraisals in PTSD. Thematic analysis has been selected as the research methodology for this study. A qualitative approach is employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews from the lived experiences of therapists from various modalities. Eight participants were selected from different organisations, including the independent sector, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) within the National Health Service (NHS), and a third sector charity/voluntary organisation. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data obtained from the therapists' lived experiences. The emerging themes are critically analysed and discussed in the context of exploring how cultural differences impact therapists' interpretation and understanding of clients' appraisals in PTSD. The findings indicate that cultural differences affect therapists' interpretation and understanding of clients' appraisals, as evidenced by the emerging themes of cultural differences in clients' appraisals of their trauma. As this study is only an exploration of how cultural differences impact therapists' interpretation and understanding of clients' appraisals in PTSD, further research is required in this area of psychotherapy.