PCSP is a peer reviewed, open-access journal and database. It provides innovative, quantitative and qualitative knowledge about psychotherapy process and outcome. PCSP is published by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.
September 9, 2026 -- see our newest case, Language Use as Both Bridge and Barrier in Bilingual Therapy: A Single Case Study Analysis of the Chinese International College Student, “Mary”
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Read below for the Editor's Announcement of the issue.
The Case Studies
September 9, 2026 -- FROM THE EDITOR
ANNOUNCING THE PUBLICATION OF OUR 73rd ISSUE (Vol. 22, Module 2)
Language Use as Both Bridge and Barrier in Bilingual Therapy: A Single Case Study Analysis of the Chinese International College Student, “Mary”
*** Jairo N. Fuertes, Adelphi University, and Yuanruo Xu, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing
Commentary by:
*** Marcela Almedia, Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
EDITOR'S NOTE, FROM THE ABSTRACT
Psychologists often encounter clients from varied language and cultural backgrounds, which can pose challenges to the process of helping. The case of "Mary," an unmarried, 24-year-old Chinese international student in the U.S., embodies these dynamics and offers insights into how culture and language shape, and are shaped by, the therapy alliance, process, and outcome in bilingual therapy. Mary was seen in individual therapy that combined a multicultural, relational psychodynamic, humanistic, client-centered, and solution-focused approach by one of the authors (Yuanruo Xu) for 10 sessions (over a 14-week period, with four cancellations); and the therapy was supervised by the other author (Jairo Fuertes). Mary’s presenting problems included challenges in adjusting to her new environment, including a decline in self-confidence and difficulties in her social life, which led to significant anxiety in her daily life.
To enhance understanding of the course of therapy, the authors employed an adapted version of the Critical Incidents Technique (CIT) to analyze significant moments in Mary’s 10 sessions. They focus on the role of language use in bilingual therapy, exploring its functionality as both (a) a buffer against the intense impact of emotional and traumatic experiences, and (b) as a bridge that can foster deeper psychological engagement. The authors highlight the mechanisms by which the therapist, with supervision, attempted to provide Mary with a meaningful and helpful psychotherapeutic experience. The core theme in their analysis of the case includes the ways that Mary uses her primary (Mandarin) and secondary (English) languages to avoid, and then access, hurtful and traumatic experiences.
*** For a Table of Contents and pdf links to the articles, click on the upper left button labeled "Newest Case" or the button labeled "Current."
