This volume addresses the complexities involved in attending to the mental health of refugees. It covers theory and research as well as clinical and field applications, emphasising the psychotehrapeutic perspective. It explores the delicate balance between accepting the resilience of refugees whilst not neglecting their psychological needs, within a framework that avoides pathologising their condition. Moreover, it deals with the difficulties in delineating the various relevant intersecting perspectives to the refugee reality, e.g. psychological, socio- political, legal, organisational and ethical. The book introduces important considerations about the actual psychotherapy with refugees (in individual, family and group settings) but in addition, it encourages the introduction of therapeutic elements to all types of work with refugees. Thus, it argues for the necessity of approaching every facet of the refugee experience from a therapeutic perspective; this is why the title refers to therapeutic care rather than to psychotherapy. Offering a representative sample of the rich variety of work done at the Tavistock Clinic in London, this volume presents new and valuable insights into many aspects of conceptualising and working with refugees in different contexts.
‘This is an authoritative book that introduces innovative ideas in many facets of the therapeutic care of the most vulnerable mobile populations. A relevant publication, especially in the current world situation. A useful companion for all who work in this field.’ - Brunson McKinley, Director General of the International Organisation for Migration. from the publisher's website |
