Responding to Refugees
Each culture group, as well as each individual, expresses the impact of trauma differently. Among some groups, a stoic expression is more acceptable. In other groups, a more verbal or physical demonstration of pain and emotion are the norm.
It is important that we listen to the words or expressions used by clients in communicating their pain, as this is a guide to our response. Hearing these expressions also helps us to build suitable interventions for relaxation, imagery, safe place and other personalized practices.
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) has been shown to improve outcomes for refugees who are experiencing PTSD.
Narrative Exposure Therapy – Retelling an entire life’s story to Recontextualize trauma within a coherent autobiography.
Focus on trauma
Incorporate positive experiences
Compassionate understanding
Active listening
Therapeutic alliance
Unequivocal positive regard
Stay grounding in the present while talking about the past
Allow the freedom to reflect
Narrative Exposure Therapy
Retelling an entire life’s story to recontextualize trauma within a coherent autobiography
- Focus on trauma
- Incorporate positive experiences
- Compassionate understanding
- Active listening
- Therapeutic alliance
- Unequivocal positive regard
- Stay grounding in the present while talking about the past
- Allow the freedom to reflect