Assesses the therapeutic benefits of integrating systemic and postsystemic theories in social work interventions with refugee families. Systemic therapies “labeled family-systems approaches–examine behavior in context and focus on problems originating not within the person but in clashing systems” for example, migration disrupting the family life cycle. Postsystemic approaches rely on client-therapist dialogue to understand the client’s reality. Both these models assume ethnic and culturally sensitive practice. An integrated model assumes a contextual view of behavior; recognizes that interpersonal and societal forces shape problems; focuses on mobilizing the client’s strengths; and gives credence to a client’s interpretation of events as well as to the events themselves. It does not require in-depth understanding of a particular culture, and thus potentially can benefit a wider range of refugees than can either of the models separately. Because the integrated model relies heavily on narration, social workers may need to overcome language barriers by, for instance, using translators. The benefit is that a short-term clinical intervention may help clients regain emotional equilibrium, see solutions better, and build on successes. Combined with the efforts of helpers within clients’ communities, these interventions pave the way for an ongoing support system. (34 references)
