The adaptation of immigrant psychotherapists to the culture and psyche of their clients in the host country.

There has been a steady increase in the number of overseas born and trained psychotherapists practicing in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Immigration is a complex and stressful process. Immigrant therapists have to mourn their multiple losses, adapt to the new country, and at the same time learn to work therapeutically with their new clients. It behoves the psychotherapeutic community to understand the inherent difficulties of this process in order to facilitate and support these new working relationships. An introductory presentation will be delivered to stimulate thoughtful discussion. Some of the themes covered will be; a) the therapist’s attachment style and resultant ability to tolerate, process and mourn multiple losses, b) the phase appropriate use of defences, c) the complementary attitudes and projections of the new host country, colleagues and clients and d) the degree of perceived difference between therapist and client.