“Business as usual won’t work … ”: Therapists’ experiences and preparedness for providing refugees with trauma-related interventions

Objective: Worldwide, the numbers of refugees and displaced people being exposed to traumatic and inhumane experiences are escalating, resulting in an enhanced need for appropriate psychological management of trauma in this at-risk group. This study explores therapists’ perspectives on and preparedness for supporting adult refugees with trauma-related interventions. Method: Therapists (N = 17), with varying ranges of experiences supporting adult refugee clients, were recruited nationally, and participated in semi-structured interviews, exploring their experiences and preparedness for therapeutically supporting refugee clients with trauma-related interventions. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. A Patient Public Involvement (PPI) approach was embedded within this study. Results: Five major themes were developed throughout the analysis: (i) Therapists’ Fears and Apprehensions in Meeting Client Complexities, (ii) Preparation and Support for Competency Development, (iii) Adjusting Preconceptions of the Nature of Therapeutic Work, (iv) Humanity Within the Therapeutic Relationship, and (v) Balancing Therapeutic Meaningfulness and Hardships. Conclusion: Therapist training must reflect trauma-informed care and inter-cultural awareness to allow therapists to feel better prepared within mainstream and specialist services. Further, therapists’ well-being needs to be prioritized to prevent vicarious trauma, burn-out and ultimately, improve interventions for clients.