Community Mental Health Journal
Volume 24, Issue 2, 1988, Pages 157-166

Group therapy with Southeast Asian refugees (Article)

David Kinzie J.* , Leung P. , Bui A. , Ben R. , Keopraseuth K.O. , Riley C. , Fleck J. , Ades M.
  • a Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • b Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • c Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • d Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • e Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • f Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • g Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States
  • h Department of Psychiatry at the Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States, Indochinese Psychiatric Program, Portland, 97201, Oregon, United States

Abstract

This report describes a one-year experience with a new program of group therapy for Southeast Asians who were treated in a psychiatric program for Indochinese refugees. Cultural factors involving communication styles, respect for authority, and traditional social relationships greatly influence the group process. Socialization experiences which encouraged traditional activities and practical information were the most acceptable medium by all the groups. Psychological issues of losses, cultural conflicts, and persistent discussion of somatic symptoms were voiced throughout the activities. Formal group psychotherapy was periodically useful in some groups. Flexibility, meeting concrete needs, keeping a bicultural focus, and maintaining the individual therapy sessions contributed to the acceptance by the patient. © 1988 Human Sciences Press.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Asian Americans Psychotherapy, Group group therapy Acculturation Vietnam Adaptation, Psychological refugee clinical article psychological aspect Cambodia Mental Disorders human relation Oregon human adult Refugees migration
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0023913837&doi=10.1007%2fBF00756658&partnerID=40&md5=ae4944740ea25298b1267ffae1552142
DOI: 10.1007/BF00756658
ISSN: 00103853
Cited by: 30
Original Language: English