Transnational Intersectionality in Family Therapy With Resettled Refugees

J Marital Fam Ther. 2018 Apr;44(2):206-219. doi: 10.1111/jmft.12267. Epub 2017 Sep 4.

Abstract

In this article, we discuss incorporating the transnational intersectionality framework in family therapy with resettled refugees. Transnational intersectionality is an extension of the framework of intersectionality which helps to better understand complexities of power and oppression across national contexts and their influence on refugees' lives. Adopting this framework alerts family therapists to: (a) develop critical awareness of refugee's transnational contexts; (b) understand differences in experiences of social identities across contexts; (c) acknowledge postmigration factors of oppression affecting resettlement; and (d) critically reflect upon therapist-interpreter-client intersectionalities. This shifts our conceptualization of therapy with refugees to actively consider transnational contexts which refugees uniquely occupy. We describe the framework and provide two case illustrations to highlight its usefulness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Culturally Competent Care / standards*
  • Family Therapy / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / ethnology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Refugees / psychology*
  • United States / ethnology