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March 22, 2026Journal of Mental Health

How do therapists address religious beliefs and ethnic background in psychotherapy? A survey study on broaching intersectional identities and the therapeutic alliance

Hilde Depauw Alain Van Hiel

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Key Points

This research investigates how therapists incorporate clients' religious beliefs and ethnic background into psychotherapy to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Conducted a survey among therapists
Focused on approaches to discussing clients' identities
Analyzed responses regarding therapeutic alliance quality
Highlighting intersectional identities enhances the therapeutic alliance
Therapists reported improved client engagement when addressing beliefs and backgrounds

Implication

Survey study reveals how therapists enhance therapeutic alliance by addressing intersectional identities.

Abstract

The findings underscore the importance of an intersectional lens to broaching to enhance the perceived quality of the therapeutic alliance.

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Cite This Study

Depauw et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69c37acab34aaaeb1a67c99d https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2026.2646301

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Keep reading

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

1Negotiating Faith in Therapy: A Qualitative Study of Christian Clients in Secular PsychotherapyOriginal Research · 2026 · 1 citations
2Client’s experiences and perceptions of religious and spiritual issues in psychotherapy: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies2025
3Client’s experiences and perceptions of religious and spiritual issues in psychotherapy: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies2025
4Cultural processes for addressing clients’ spiritual and religious identities in psychotherapy: A proof-of-concept investigation.Original Research · 2026
5Psychotherapists’ Discursive Constructions of Culture and Cultural Conversations in TherapyOriginal Research · 2026 · 1 citations

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Understanding psychotherapy goals of two spirit, trans, and nonbinary people of color in a culturally responsive psychotherapy.2025

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