Family Therapy with Central American War Refugee Families

Crisis Intervention With Survivors of Torture

“…Many refugees are exposed to life-threatening or catastrophic events (Figley, 1995) that are beyond the normative course of expectations in life. These events leave a lasting impression that can be the impetus for the syndrome of post-traumatic stress (Arredondo et al, 1989).…”

“…Assessment should also include a review of the ways in which the individual and each family member has attempted to manage their experience with violence. The trauma associated with the refugee experience may be differentially expressed by family members through symptoms and reactions (Arredondo et al, 1989).…”

“…It is important to view reluctance to talk or reticence about seeking assistance within the context of the refugee's experience. Rather than viewing lack of disclosure as resistance, it can be viewed with empathy and within the range of coping behaviors available to refugees (Arredondo et al, 1989).…”

“…With general cultural knowledge, the style of the helper may be matched to consider the cultural and personal expectations of clients (Arredondo et al, 1989;Bemak, 1989;Strober, 1994). While some clients will prefer a more informal, personable approach, other clients will be more comfortable with a more formal helping style.…”

“…On the individual level, the experience of trauma related to torture can result in devastating physiological, psychological, and social effects (Kwong , 1990). Families are impacted through lack of predictability, often violent and sudden separation from other family members , the tragic loss of loved ones , and disruption in relationships that leads to the disintegration of usual roles (Arredondo, Orjuela, & Moore , 1989;Rousseau, 1995). Research has confirmed that there are intergenerational effects for children who have been exposed to violence against their parents through either the direct witnessing of violence or vicariou s effects (McConville, 1990;Montgomery, Krogh, Jacobsen, & Lukman, 1992;Rousseau , 1995).…”