What Therapists Should Know About Code-Switching: An Interview with Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow
Curt and Katie interview Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow on code-switching. We explore what code-switching is, the mental health impacts of code-switching, and how therapists can support clients who code-switch.
Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!
In this podcast episode, we talk about code-switching
An important conversation about code-switching for therapists. What do we need to know and what can we do to support people who need to code switch?
What is code-switching?

Shifting how one speaks or behaves to fit into the current situation

Often occurs with people who do not look like you or are culturally different from you

Learning to operate differently in different spaces due to being judged based on appearance, behavior, and language

Choosing which words to use, which has additional layers for multilingual folks

Much deeper than just linguistic shifts

Responding to the potential for violent harm when how you typically show up doesn’t fit the current situation’s prescribed norms

The concept of “professionalism” and who set the standards

Needing to push back on the norms

What are the mental health effects of Code-switching?

Anxiety and depression

Not bringing full self into most spaces

Hesitation, lack of learning and sharing

Chronic health diseases connected to cortisol

Identity concerns, unraveling of identity over time

Fear of being found out or not being accepted

High mental load

Not everyone code switches

Why are people code-switching in professional settings? Or is it still happening?

Shifts in behaviors during the pandemic

Letting go of certain social mores on zoom

Not having to go to work and putting on a professional persona when working remotely

What can mental health professionals due to support clients who code-switch?

There are not enough Black therapists to see all of the Black clients, so therapists of other demographics need to make sure that they are addressing it

Going beyond the client having to explain all of their experience or be a cultural translator

Stay present to the story and clarify later, to allow client to stay in the vulnerability

Being authentic yourself as a therapist, to create space for imperfection

Providing reinforcement for the client showing up authentically, their accomplishments

Getting to IDGAF attitude and testing it out in different spaces

How does Dr. Jameta Barlow push back against the status quo related to code-switching?

Land acknowledgement

Grounding in family and cultural history

Focusing on the history and the experiences of Black women

No code-switching or requirement for being anything but your full self

Resources for Modern Therapists mentioned in this Podcast Episode:
We’ve pulled together resources mentioned in this episode and put together some handy-dandy links. Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, so if you purchase after clicking below, we may get a little bit of cash in our pockets. We thank you in advance!
Dr. Barlow’s Website: JametaBarlow.com
Twitter: @allaboutafya
Email: JametaWrites @ gmail.com
Information on the concept of Double Consciousness from W.E.B. Du Bois
Article on PsychCentral: Code-Switching: What it is and What it Costs Us

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