University of Denver

MENTAL HEALTH

Training of service providers:

Author: Fred Bemak
Title: Cross-Cultural Family Therapy With Southeast Asian Refugees
Journal Name: Journal of Strategic and Systematic Therapies
Volume, Issue: Volume 8
Date: Summer 1989
Pages: 22-7
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: Yes
Abstract: Unavailable

Author: J.W. Berry (book review)
Title: Mental Health for Refugees and Other Migrants: Social and Preventative Approaches, by Joseph Westermeyer
Journal Name: Contemporary Psychology
Volume, Issue: Volume 36, Number 10
Date: October 1991
Page: 887
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: Unavailable

Author: S. M. Berthold
Title: Spiritism as a Form of Psychotherapy: Implications for Social Work Practice
Journal Name: Social Casework: The Journal of Contemporary Social Work
Volume, Issue: Volume 70, Number 8
Date: October 1989
Pages: 502-9
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: There are two main spiritist traditions among Puerto Ricans: Mesa Blanca, which originated in Europe and is based on a belief in reincarnation, and Santeria, a synthesis of an African religion and Catholicism that centers on the worship of saints. Many Puerto Ricans practice a blend of these two traditions. Puerto Rican spiritists believe in a spirit world and in the duality of matter and spirit. Spirits can attach themselves to human beings and exert a profound influence on human affairs either by helping or causing harm. Some people possess special abilities to communicate with and control the spirits; centros, or spiritual churches, exist where these spiritually strong individuals can help others. Approximately one-third of all adult Puerto Ricans with mental disorders consult spiritists rather than seeking psychiatric treatment. A discussion examines the Puerto Rican practice of spiritism as a form of psychotherapy so that therapists who work with clients who believe in spiritism can be more aware of their clients’ belief systems. Suggestions are made for social workers and others who work with these clients.

Author: Maurice Eisenbruch
Title: Is Western Mental Health Care Appropriate for Refugees?
Journal Name: Refugee Participation Network
Volume, Issue: Number 11
Date: October 1991
Pages: 25-7
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: Yes
Abstract: Based on research with Cambodian refugees, the author argues that mental health care should include refugees’ own perceptions of the meaning of their trauma, the way in which they express their distress and an understanding of the strategies they use to overcome it. If refugees express the symptoms of ‘post traumatic stress disorder’, this may be the sign of constructive methods of coping with a devastatingly traumatic experience, and not necessarily indicate a disorder. ‘Western’ approaches to therapy may hence be inappropriate.

Authors: Y. Fischman and J. Ross
Title: Group Treatment of Exiled Survivors of Torture
Journal Name: American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
Volume, Issue: Volume 60, Number 1
Date: January 1990
Pages: 135-42
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: Although the symptoms of victims of forced exile and torture can be considered to indicate a type of post-traumatic stress disorder, standard treatment approaches fall short of alleviating the problems of this growing population. A model for time- limited group treatment is presented, and the importance of placing such traumatic experiences in a sociopolitical context is emphasized. The model is illustrated by descriptions of work with a group made up of Central and South American refugees. Theraputic techniques are proposed that focus on symptoms of torture- related post-traumatic stress disorder, allowing members to attain gradual psychological reorganization.

Authors: Elizabeth Gong-Guy, Richard B. Cravens, and Terence Patterson
Title: Clinical Issues in Mental Health Service Delivery to Refugees
Journal Name: The American Psychologist
Volume, Issue: Volume 46, Number 6
Date: June 1991
Page: 642
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: Yes
Abstract: The authors put forth suggestions for improving mental health services for refugees by emphasizing diagnostic assumptions and treatment approaches, recognizing potential problems associated with the use of interpreters and paraprofessionals, and examining the role of consultation, prevention, and outreach services in addressing refugee mental health concerns.

Author: P. Kelley
Title: The Application of Family Systems Theory to Mental Health Services for Southeast Asian Refugees
Journal Name: Journal of Multicultural Social Work
Volume, Issue: Volume 2, Number 1
Date: 1992
Pages: 1-13
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: This paper describes a training project of work with Southeast Asian refugees using an integrated family systems approach. The author found using a model integrating a structural, strategic, life cycle, and Milan systematic therapy helpful at three levels of the project work: consulting with agencies serving the population, training students for this work, and intervening clinically with the refugees themselves.

Author: Carrington U. Nguyen
Title: Counseling Indochinese Refugee Women Rape Survivors
Journal Name: Administration in Social Work
Volume, Issue: Volume 45, Number 3
Date: September 1992
Pages: 19-25
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: This study is based on the author’s experience as a counselor of rape survivors and traumatized refugees at two refugee camps in Malaysia. Analysis of the work revealed a particular mental dissonance in the women which resulted from the clash between their culture and new self-concepts necessary for their recovery. It was demonstrated that counseling methods that emphasize self-esteem, personal values, and self-sufficiency are necessary for the recovery of traumatized people in host countries such as Australia and Canada. Information on clients’ psychological and social issues and needs can increase the awareness of support groups regarding this matter. Establishment and training of these women’s groups, composed of volunteers having the same cultural background as the clients, will facilitate the survivors’ access to professional services.

Author: S.B. Strober
Title: Social Work Interventions to Alleviate Cambodian Refugee Psychological Distress
Journal Name: International Social Work
Volume, Issue: Volume 37, Number 1
Date: January 1994
Pages: 23-5
Hard Copy at CRIIC Library: No
Abstract: The poll taken at random among 102 Cambodian refugees (May-Aug 1989) served to determine the extent of environmental social support and refugee characteristics in the process of acculturation. Fifty percent of the variation is explained by education, the time spent in the country, and the impact of psychological decline. In addition, the date showed that there was a slight correlation between the observed social support and acculturation adjustment, and that there was a strong correlation between the latter and the lack of psychological decline. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the observed social support and psychological collapse. Results suggest that the observed family and community support does not promote acculturation, but rather a lower incidence of psychological decline. In addition, it suggests that traditional family and community support does not count when it comes to alleviating emotional problems. Social work, education, psychological collapse, conjugal support and the amount of time spent in the country offer usable information in the application of social work to the task of reducing emotional problems of these people.

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