Experiences of services and family therapy with refugees and asylum-seekers

The systemic model has been proposed as particularly relevant for addressing the mental health needs of refugees and asylum-seekers. Clinicians working with families from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds who have experienced trauma may wish to encourage family communication to promote resilience, but may find it difficult to know whether to address traumatic memories.

This study aims to develop a theoretical understanding of how conversations about trauma emerge in systemic family therapy with families from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Ten systemic family therapists were interviewed, and data was analysed using grounded theory methodology. Resulting constructs highlight co-constructed conversations about trauma between families and therapists. Therapists attend to several factors in order to create a space where unspoken stories can be voiced, so that families can find new meanings and re-connect.

Showcasing current practice in this field, the study emphasises the need for clinicians working with this population to actively engage with the wider context, and highlights the need for research investigating the effectiveness of systemic family therapy interventions for this client group.