Refugee families in therapy: from referrals to therapeutic conversations

Refugee families referred for therapy present a wide array of problems and expectations, not always in accordance with what therapy may offer. Major d ifferences between referring professionals, families and therapists regardi ng problem definitions and solutions may complicate collaboration. Interven tions that may overcome these barriers and move initial interviews into a t herapeutic context are described. Three patterns regarding referral process , problem presentation and expectations there called referral contexts) are outlined:'the relational', where families ask for psychological and interp ersonal assistance, 'the unfocused', where families are referred to therapy without expressing any wish for it, and 'the fixed solution', where famili es seek support for solutions that are not of a therapeutic nature. The int erventions described form part of a negotiation where motives and interest for therapy are explored and agreements regarding further therapy are outli ned.