2012/09/01 by Lucia De Haene, Peter Rober, Peter Adriaenssens +1
Psychology · #Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics #Family and Disability Support Research #Migration, Health and Trauma
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.2012.01404.x
crossref issued 2012/09/01 · crossref published 2012/09/01 · crossref published-print 2012/09/01 · openalex publication_date 2012/09/01 · crossref published-online 2012/09/17 · crossref created 2012/09/17 · crossref deposited 2023/09/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29
In this article, we reflect on our evolving ideas regarding a dialogical approach to refugee care. Broadening the predominant phased trauma care model and its engaging of directive expertise in symptom reduction, meaning making, and rebuilding connectedness, these developing dialogical notions involve the negotiation of silencing and disclosure, meaning and absurdity, hope and hopelessness in a therapeutic dialogue that accepts its encounter of cultural and social difference. In locating therapeutic practice within these divergent approaches, we argue an orientation on collaborative dialogue may operate together with notions from the phased trauma care model as heuristic background in engaging a polyphonic understanding of coping with individual and family sequelae of forced displacement. This locating of therapeutic practice, as informed by each perspective, invites us to remain present to fragments of therapeutic positioning that resonate power imbalance or appropriation in a therapeutic encounter imbued with a social context that silences refugees' suffering. In a clinical case analysis, we further explore these relational complexities of negotiating directive expertise and collaborative dialogue in the therapeutic encounter with refugee clients.