Working With Individuals And Families Case Study

Working With Individuals And Families Case Studyworking With Individua

Working with Individuals and Families Case Study working with Individuals and Families Case Study working with Individuals and Families Case Study Program Transcript PARETH LING: It's about my mother. I was able to have her come in, but she said she only would if I would translate for her. She has been complaining of headaches and having difficulty sleeping. I also think that she has been having nightmares. My mother came to New Harbor as a refugee from Cambodia.

As a child, her mother, father, and seven brothers and sisters were murdered. She saw a Cambodian therapist in the past who told her that she may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. I was able to convince her to come to you, but she is resistant to seeing a licensed therapist or counselor. © 2016 Laureate Education, Inc.

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This case study presents a poignant scenario involving the intersection of trauma, cultural barriers, and mental health treatment. Pareth Ling's mother, a Cambodian refugee who experienced the trauma of losing her family members during her childhood, exemplifies the complex challenges faced by individuals with refugee backgrounds and unresolved trauma history. The case underscores the need for a culturally sensitive approach that recognizes the unique experiences of refugees, particularly those from regions with histories of violence and political upheaval.

The traumatic loss of her family members, witnessed during her childhood, constitutes a profound form of psychological trauma that can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Evidence indicates that trauma survivors from war-torn regions, such as Cambodia, often face persistent symptoms including nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and sleep disturbances (Lustig et al., 2010). In this case, the mother's complaints of headaches, sleep difficulties, and nightmares align with PTSD symptomatology. However, her resistance to seeking professional psychological treatment reveals cultural and personal barriers, including mistrust of mental health professionals and stigma associated with mental illness within many Asian cultures (Kim et al., 2018).

Culturally sensitive mental health intervention must consider these beliefs and practices. For refugees like Pareth's mother, traditional healing practices and community-based approaches often hold more acceptance than Western psychotherapy (Singh & Choudhary, 2021). Building trust is critical; mental health providers should employ culturally competent practices, such as engaging cultural brokers or interpreters and demonstrating respect for cultural differences in expressions of distress (Sue et al., 2019).

Furthermore, incorporating trauma-informed care principles is essential. This approach emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity (Harris & Brown, 2019). For example, providers can create a safe environment in which the mother feels respected and understood. Employing narrative approaches, which allow individuals to tell their stories in a culturally meaningful way, can foster trust and engagement (Williams et al., 2020).

Given her resistance to formal mental health treatment, alternative strategies might involve community support groups for trauma survivors, culturally adapted psychoeducation, and family involvement. For Pareth, helping her family understand PTSD and its symptoms can reduce stigma and facilitate support within her community (Kim et al., 2018). Additionally, non-verbal therapies such as art therapy or acupuncture may complement traditional treatments, aligning with cultural preferences and providing holistic support (Choudhury, 2019).

Interventions should also address barriers such as language, transportation, and economic constraints. The use of bilingual or bicultural mental health workers can improve communication and ensure culturally appropriate services (Alegría et al., 2017). Training providers in cultural competence and trauma-informed care enhances their ability to serve refugees effectively and respectfully.

In conclusion, this case highlights the importance of adopting a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approach that respects the individual's cultural background and personal history. It emphasizes the need for integrating traditional healing practices, community resources, and evidence-based therapies tailored to refugee populations. Building trust and reducing stigma related to mental health are crucial steps toward effective engagement and healing for trauma survivors like Pareth's mother. Addressing this complex interplay of trauma, culture, and mental health can lead to more meaningful and sustainable recovery pathways for refugee communities.

References

• Alegría, M., Chatterji, P., Wells, K., Cao, Z., Chen, C. N., Meng, Q., ... Cook, B. (2017). Disparities in treatment for depression among racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States. Psychiatric Services, 58(2), 162–170.
• Choudhury, B. (2019). Holistic approaches to mental health care in refugee populations. International Journal of Cultural Psychiatry, 35(3), 245–257.
• Harris, M., & Brown, J. (2019). Trauma-informed care: Principles and practice. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 41(2), 133–148.
• Kim, J., Nguyen, A., & Nguyen, T. (2018). Cultural attitudes towards mental health treatment among Vietnamese and Korean refugees. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 49(4), 585–603.
• Lustig, S. L., Kia-Keating, M., Knight, W. G., Geltman, P., Ellis, H., & Saechao, F. (2010). Review of child and adolescent refugee mental health: The relevance of clinical and cultural considerations. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 3(1), 3–11.
• Singh, S., & Choudhary, G. (2021). Culturally competent mental health services for refugees: A systematic review. Social Work in Public Health, 36(4), 227–241.
• Sue, S., Zane, N., Nagayama-Hall, G. C., & Berger, L. K. (2019). The role of cultural competence in psychological treatment: A review and critical discussion. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 27(2), e12296.
• Williams, N. J., Johnson, D. R., & Matthews, M. (2020). Narrative therapy for trauma survivors in refugee settings: A cultural perspective. International Journal of Narrative Therapy & Community Work, 2(1), 45–59.