Course - Newly Arrived Afghan Refugees
Course - Newly Arrived Afghan Refugees is organized by American Counseling Association (ACA).
Description:
Part 1 of this two-part series will provide important background information about newly arrived Afghans, including a brief historical and cultural overview of Afghanistan, the events leading up to the U.S.-led evacuation, and the migration journey. Newly arrived Afghans’ experiences at “safe havens” and resettlement in the U.S. will then be discussed with an emphasis on challenges in resettlement and the complex mental health and psychosocial issues that result when trauma and daily stressors interact within the context of resettlement.
Part 2 of this series will provide more specific information on the mental health challenges faced by newly arrived Afghans and highlight culturally responsive counseling approaches and strategies for Afghan clients with mental health issues. Practical strategies to build rapport with Afghan clients and therapeutic dos and don’ts will be discussed, as well. Case studies or vignettes will be presented throughout the recorded session based on the presenters’ real-world experiences working with newly arrived Afghans.
Learning Objectives:
Part
• Describe cultural characteristics, and political experiences of newly arrived Afghans.
• Name major challenges and stressors that newly arrived Afghans experience in resettlement.
• Name five of the most prevalent mental health and psychosocial issues and how they manifest among newly arrived Afghans.
Part 2:
• List at least two cultural norms that may impact an Afghan client’s mental health and treatment, as well as the counseling relationship.
• Describe practical, culturally responsive strategies to build rapport with newly arrived Afghan clients, and what to avoid doing to help prevent ruptures.
• Identify culturally congruent strategies for counseling Afghan clients experiencing domestic violence, depression/anxiety, or self-harm/suicidal ideation.
