From individual vulnerability to collective resistance: responding to the emotional impact of trauma on unaccompanied children seeking asylum

Abstract

Much good therapeutic work is done with individual separated young people seeking asylum to help them overcome the effects of trauma and abuse and to reconstruct their identities in unfamiliar settings. This chapter highlights the dangers to many of the individual trauma focused interventions where young people can become defined by their vulnerabilities, stuck in relationships which position them as damaged, vulnerable and needing help. It outlines a Narrative Liberation framework to enable practitioners to reflect on what they are doing in their care of separated young people, and to help guard against isolating and unhelpful therapeutic practices. This includes a recognition of past events, but also highlighting personal accounts of survival and resistance. A key element is connections with other unaccompanied young migrants and the facilitation of collective practices where people are able to connect with life affirming aspects of their cultural and social histories.