Navigating Ambiguous Loss in Refugee Trauma
The experience of a missing loved one is a form of trauma that leaves families suspended in a state of unresolved grief.
The pain of forced migration for many refugees and asylum seekers is compounded by the ongoing uncertainty of family members disappeared through war, genocide, or displacement.
This Clinical Master Class, hosted by STARTTS, and presented by internationally recognised social work academic, Professor Sarah Wayland alongside STARTTS’ counsellor (Direct Services Rural and Regional Team), Farhan Almito provides a deep dive into the therapeutic frameworks required to support those living in this difficult liminal space.
The Challenge of Ambiguous Loss
Ambiguous loss represents one of the most complex and enduring forms of trauma experienced by refugees and families separated by conflict and forced migration.
Unlike conventional grief, where a death is verified, this state leaves individuals suspended between hope and despair because the fate of their loved ones remains unknown.
This ongoing uncertainty fractures a person’s identity and destabilises established family roles, as individuals struggle to navigate life without the finality of closure.
In many cultural contexts, this ambiguity is particularly painful because traditional mourning rituals cannot take place without confirmation of death, leaving the bereaved in a state of “frozen grief”.
Furthermore, for those who have resettled in safety while family members remain missing, the experience often intensifies survivor guilt leading to prolonged emotional distress and psychological suffering.
Clinical Insights & Therapeutic Strategies
The masterclass explores trauma-informed therapeutic approaches designed to help clinicians support clients living with unresolved grief while maintaining meaning and connection.
A central focus of the session is learning how to hold space for the paradox of “hope and heartache” without imposing premature closure or symbolic burial.
By integrating theory with lived experience, the training provides insights into complex concepts such as disenfranchised loss and role ambiguity within the context of forced migration.
These strategies are further illustrated through a powerful case study of “Hevi,” a genocide survivor whose children were kidnapped and forcibly disappeared.
This practical example will demonstrate how clinicians can help clients navigate uncertainty while prioritising their safety, dignity, and agency, ultimately strengthening the practitioner’s capacity to support those living in the space between hope and grief.
Professional Development Details
This session is intended for psychologists, social workers, and community practitioners who support refugees and trauma-affected populations. Attendees will gain knowledge and practical tools to better understand the psychological, relational, and cultural impacts of disappearance on the family unit.
- Topic: Ambiguous Loss and Missing Family Members in Refugees: Clinical Practice and Support
- Format: Clinical Master Class featuring a live Q&A panel moderated by STARTTS CEO and Clinical Psychologist Jorge Aroche.
- Cost: FREE
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