The purpose of this article is to increase understanding of the processes refugees use to forge links with a new culture. Grove and Torbiorn's (1985) theoretical model regarding cultural sojourners was applied to refugees and asylum applicants. This article describes five stages through which refugees pass: early arrival, destabilization, exploration and restabilization, return to normal life, and decompensation. Typical refugee experiences, impressions at the initial interview, and therapeutic interventions for each stage are offered. Latin American refugees were the focus of the study, but findings could also be applicable to other refugee populations.

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