"Business as usual won't work … ": Therapists' experiences and preparedness for providing refugees with trauma-related interventions
Psychotherapy Research
School of Psychology
Abstract
Worldwide, the numbers of refugees and displaced people being exposed to traumatic and inhumane experiences are escalating, resulting in an enhanced need for appropriate psychological management of trauma in this at-risk group. This study explores therapists' perspectives on and preparedness for supporting adult refugees with trauma-related interventions.
Therapist training must reflect trauma-informed care and inter-cultural awareness to allow therapists to feel better prepared within mainstream and specialist services. Further, therapists' well-being needs to be prioritized to prevent vicarious trauma, burn-out and ultimately, improve interventions for clients.