Cultural competence in the experiences of IAPT therapists newly trained to deliver cognitive-behavioural therapy: A template analysis focus study

Background: Guidance on the provision of mental health services in the UK acknowledges the need for psychological therapists to be able to deliver culturally sensitive psychological interventions. Aim: The current study explored the experiences of recently trained therapists within the UK Improving Access to Psychological Therapies training programme. It sought to understand whether their practice of cognitive-behavioural therapy is culturally sensitive and consistent with current cultural competence guidance, and how training contributes to their development. Method: Focus groups using a semi-structured interview were conducted with participants from three psychological therapy services. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the data analysed using template analysis. Results: Participants demonstrated a range of perspectives and practices that were consistent with cultural competence guidance. Abilities were attributed to personal and professional experience, and to personal motivation to develop cultural competence. Training was not considered to have significantly contributed to cultural competence. Conclusions: Therapists can work in a culturally sensitive way without a comprehensive training based on cultural competence guidance. To be able to draw on personal and professional cultural experience may be a primary contributor to cultural competence. Training can augment experience and suggestions are made for how it may be improved.