Immigration

The following journal articles focus on the use of postmodern therapies with immigration issues.

Björn, G. J., Gustafsson, P. A., Sydsjö, G., & Berterö, C. (2013). Family therapy sessions with refugee families; a qualitative study. Conflict & Health, 7(1), 1-9. doi:10.1186/1752-1505-7-7

This study focused on three families from Bosnia and Herzegovina who came to Sweden and were granted permanent residence permits. The families were asked to participate in the study by either a nurse or a social worker in the communities where they lived. The Family therapy sessions were videotaped and transcribed. The interventions during sessions were influenced by systemic and narrative approach. The theoretical framework also included salutogenic and crisis theory, which included a focus on coherence. Nine family therapy sessions were analyzed using a qualitative method with directed content analysis. The sessions were conducted in Swedish with the use of an interpreter when needed. Through these findings the authors hope to offer family-oriented professionals guidance to create a family narrative including the life families had in their country of origin. Using this knowledge facilitates support to refugee families which in turn may help them to adapt and recapture a sense of coherence.

Dutta, D. (2014). 'Paribar ka palan' ('watching over our family'): The application of Contextual Therapy for Indian immigrant families. //Journal Of Systemic Therapies//, //33//(4), 47-61. doi:10.1521/jsyt.2014.33.4.47

In this article the author explores the use of Contextual Therapy with Indian Immigrant families. By examining a case scenario through a contextual lens, the reader is given a clear picture of the progression of contextual therapy. Specifically Dutta contends that the outcome orientated nature of Contextual Therapy often fits well with Indian immigrant families’ theory of change. Dutta also shares that the systemic approach of Contextual Family Therapy fits nicely within collectivist cultures. In the case scenario a family felt like they were “losing their son” to the dominant culture. Dutta highlights the importance of trust between the clients and the therapist, including making evident western notions of therapy. Dutta’s examination of a session through a contextual lens highlights the clinical importance of using culturally translatable models of therapy that can meld themselves to collectivist values, not just individualistic ones.

Kim, S. (2013). Re-discovering voice: Korean immigrant women in group music therapy. Arts In Psychotherapy, 40(4), 428-435. doi:10.1016/j.aip.2013.05.005

Group music therapy work is explored with six Korean immigrant women living in New York. The women participated in weekly group music therapy sessions for six months. The participants were immigrants and older adults. The therapeutic focus was on identity intersections and the influence on processing. At the end of the study it was noted that the participants’ use of music therapy contributed to an overall experience of cultural adjustment, specifically the managing of acculturative stress. For future studies the hope is that music therapy might be used in handling acculturative stress often found in immigrant populations.

Muruthi, B. A., Nasis, T., Jordan, L. S., McCoy, M., Grogan, C., & Farnham, A. (2015). Collaborative therapy approach: Implications for working with AFRO-Caribbean families coping with infidelity. //Journal Of Systemic Therapies//, //34//(3), 26-43.

The use of Collaborative Language Systems with an Afro-Caribbean family is examined through a case study. Desiree, a 17 year old Afro-Caribbean daughter and her 45 year old Black Jamaican mother, Mary, participated in therapy due to Desiree’s conflicts in school. They were referred by a school counselor. Throughout therapy the use of inside and outside voice as well as a reflecting theme was used with the family to navigate conversations around infidelity and anger. The case study hoped to offer insight into the distinct experiences of Afro-Caribbean families. Their hope was to show the complexity of a group that is often singularly defined as African-American. The implication for future findings included a hope for further exploration of the use of Collaborative therapy with immigrant and transnational families.

Schweitzer, R. D., Vromans, L., Ranke, G., & Griffin, J. (2014). Narratives of healing: A case study of a young Liberian refugee settled in Australia. Arts In Psychotherapy, 41(1), 98-106. doi:10.1016/j.aip.2013.10.006

The researchers explored the experience of a single 14 year old female adolescent from a Liberian background who had resettled in Australia. The adolescent went through their Tree Life Programme. The 7 week programme uses a Strengths-Based Narrative approach with expressive arts to facilitate meaning making. Each week there was an 80 minute group session facilitated at the school by an art therapist and music therapist who worked at the school, as well as the article authors. The researchers used an in-depth analysis of a case study to explore the underlying therapeutic processes that facilitated the adoption of a preferred narrative. Participants in the Tree of Life Program were between the ages of 13-17 and had enrolled in a school for recently resettled immigrants. A single participant was randomly chosen for the case study analysis. The results of the in-depth analysis of previously recorded sessions showed a direct impact in the meaning making process of the adolescent as well as the adoption of her preferred self-narrative. The participants were able to develop their reflective functioning through the use of creative mediums.The findings fill a gap in the literature by focusing on the underlying therapeutic process that contributes to client change. The authors expressed a need for more group work in conjunction with individual therapy for individuals’ with high levels of distress. The Tree of Life Programme’s manualized structure allows for higher feasibility in its implementation.