A Qualitative, Phenomenological Study of Psychotherapists’ Perception of Ethnic Identity Shifts in Immigrant Patients

Author

Ricardo Corbetta, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

9-2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Psychology

Advisor

Elliot Jurist

Committee Members

Diana Punales

Benjamim Harris

Alexandra Woods

Daniel Gaztambide

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

Keywords

ethnic identity shifts, subjective reality, immigration, psychotherapy, culture

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological paper investigates ethnic identity shifts in immigrant patients by interviewing nine psychotherapists who work with immigrant patients in New York City. It takes into consideration the privileged and biased perspective of the therapist’s subjective experience of their patient’s ethnic identity shifts. The study argues that ethnic identity affiliation is relevant and worth investigating during the psychotherapeutic work, as it can shed light on crucial aspects of one’s emotions, thoughts and behavior.

Recommended Citation

Corbetta, Ricardo, "A Qualitative, Phenomenological Study of Psychotherapists’ Perception of Ethnic Identity Shifts in Immigrant Patients" (2018). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/2838