Date

12-4-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Catherine Lynne Packer-Williams

Keywords

Accent, East Africa, Immigrants, Counseling, Michigan, Mental Health, Language Barrier, Communication

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of East African immigrants with accented English in Michigan mental health counseling context. The purpose was to understand how accented speech shaped communication, emotional safety, and therapeutic connection between clients and counselors. Grounded in B.F. Skinner’s theory of language learning, along with the language transfer and critical period hypothesis frameworks, the study employed semi-structured interviews with ten East African immigrant adults who had received mental health counseling in Michigan. Data analysis produced five overarching themes: (1) Accent as a Communication Barrier, (2) Counselor’s Cultural Competence, (3) Emotional Experience of Counseling with an Accent, (4) Relief Through Linguistic and Cultural Matching, and (5) Interpreter Use as a Double-Edged Sword. Most participants described accent-related misunderstandings, emotional exhaustion from repeated explanations, and feelings of diminished confidence when counselors appeared impatient or dismissive. Some participants expressed relief and comfort when counselors demonstrated patience, cultural sensitivity, or shared similar linguistic backgrounds. The findings highlight the profound influence of accents on the counseling experience, underscoring the need for counselor training that incorporates linguistic awareness and cultural competence. Practically, the study recommends that mental health agencies in Michigan provide ongoing education and supervision focused on accent sensitivity to foster more inclusive, empathetic, and effective counseling relationships.

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