Community & Culturally-based Approaches: Healing from Trauma in Refugee and Immigrant Communities

Many people have historically and continue to come to the United States (US) seeking safety and better social, political, economic, and/or educational opportunities not available to them in their home countries due to violence, war, torture, and deprivation of resources (i.e., food, water, shelter, medical care). After having endured unforgiving traumas and/or life in refugee camps and/or long, dangerous journeys, when youth and families relocate to the US, they face complex cultural differences and uncertainty around how to navigate systems for resources. In addition, language and cultural barriers often lead to a sense of isolation and a diminished sense of safety, putting them at risk for experiencing further trauma. All of this can have a profound impact on their psychological functioning and overall well-being.

The experience of trauma is subjective, cultural, and complex. It happens at the individual level, familial level, as well as at the community level. Healing from trauma with forcibly displaced populations can be varied and can look very different than traditional approaches. It must take into account one’s social and cultural context. Traditional psychotherapy in general is often "individualistic" - in so far as it 'centers' one person, one couple, or one family. And for many individuals a traditionally western approach to healing is not enough. The challenge we have, as providers working with refugee and immigrant communities, that we must surmount - is how to continue to support individual healing using the tools of traditionally western mental health psychotherapies while also using a holistic approach that honors and incorporates other ways of healing, including centering the importance of relationships.

This presentation will invite providers to explore what healing may look like for refugee and immigrant youth, families and communities through a trauma-informed social ecological framework. Presenters will encourage providers to consider incorporating common cultural and community practices for healing from difficult experiences (e.g., group conversation, tea, music, dancing, quilt making, storytelling, praying, food, letting time pass) to navigate away from suffering and to build meaning, purpose, and connection.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Explain the importance of considering various socio-ecological levels when healing from trauma;
- Identify four core stressors for refugee and immigrant communities; and
- Recognize how the inclusion of community and culturally-based approaches to healing is fundamental to individual trauma treatment with refugees/immigrants.

About the Presenters:

Luna Acharya Mulder, PsyD, is a psychologist at the Trauma and Community Resilience Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is an instructor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Mulder has many years of experience providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive treatment to children suffering from mental illness and families who are victims of structural racism and poverty. She is Bhutanese and brings intimate knowledge of Bhutanese culture, language, and the refugee experience to the TCRC. She provides trainings and consultation to mental health organizations on best practices in trauma-informed, culturally responsive interventions with resettled refugees and immigrants in the US.

Alisa Miller, PhD, is a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and a research associate at the BCH’s Trauma and Community Resilience Center (TCRC). She is also Co-Director or Project EPIC –Enhancing Pediatric Integrated Care at Children's Hospital Primary Care Center and Martha Eliot Health Center. Dr. Miller is an assistant in psychology in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at BCH and an instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School. Her expertise is in promoting the mental health and well-being of youth from communities that have experienced high levels of trauma, adversity, and stress, specifically refugee and immigrant youth in the US. Dr. Miller is interested in increasing health equity for all youth in our society. She strives to be antiracist in all aspects of her personal and professional lives. Professionally, I strive to innovate, to value lived expertise and advocate to make services that are meaningful and relevant to youth, families, and providers.