Exploring psychosocial and therapeutic needs among refugees and asylum-seekers

Part one of this thesis explored the impact of gender on the post-migration experiences of refugees and asylum-seekers. A narrative review was conducted, which examined the findings of existing research in relation to theory and policy. The review identified key areas in which gender appears to interact with other variables that affect psychosocial wellbeing following migration: Integration, employment and social status; The changing nature of gender roles within the home; and Gender roles, culture and domestic violence. The findings demonstrate that gender is an important factor in how refugee and asylum-seeking men and women navigate changes post-migration. Part two focuses on the therapeutic needs of refugees and asylum-seekers who have experienced torture. Specialist therapists were interviewed about their experience of working holistically with this client group. Four themes were developed from the analysis: Therapy versus therapeutic: Addressing complex needs; The role of the therapist: Reparenting and bearing witness; “Trauma” and the meaning of recovery; and When it is safe and necessary to end? The implications of the findings for clinical psychologists in statutory services are discussed. Part three is a critical appraisal of the research process itself, focusing in particular upon the iterative nature of qualitative research and considerations regarding conducting research in collaboration with a third-sector organisation.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Ph.D.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Lancaster University

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Authors dc:creator

• Winterson, Marie
• Weatherhead, Stephen
• Sellwood, Bill