STRENGTHEN YOUR CLINICAL PRACTICE WITH REFUGEE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
How do war, persecution, forced displacement and resettlement affect a young person’s development, relationships and mental health? How can clinicians support recovery?
Children and adolescents from refugee backgrounds may be coping with the effects of trauma while also navigating developmental change, family relationships, cultural transition, school, identity and belonging. Trauma can affect emotional regulation, memory, attachment, behaviour and relationships, and may not always present in obvious ways.
Drawing on STARTTS’ extensive clinical experience and contemporary trauma research, this specialist workshop provides clinicians with a practical framework for assessing, formulating and treating torture and refugee trauma in children and adolescents.
Learn how to look beyond presenting symptoms, strengthen therapeutic engagement and deliver developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive and trauma-informed treatment that involves the young person’s family, school and wider support system.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
Effective clinical work with refugee children and adolescents requires more than treating symptoms.
Young people’s responses to trauma are shaped by their developmental stage, family and attachment relationships, culture, refugee experiences and current environment. Ongoing challenges such as family separation, disrupted education, resettlement stress, discrimination and social isolation can also affect recovery.
This workshop will help you bring these dimensions together into a comprehensive approach to assessment, formulation and treatment, enabling you to understand what may be driving a young person’s difficulties and plan interventions that support meaningful recovery.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand Refugee Trauma in Children and Adolescents
Explore how war, persecution, displacement and resettlement can affect children and young people across different stages of development.
Recognise the Clinical and Developmental Impacts of Trauma
Understand the effects of refugee trauma on the developing nervous system, emotional regulation, memory, attachment, behaviour and relationships.
Strengthen Therapeutic Engagement
Develop culturally responsive strategies for building trust and overcoming barriers to engaging children and adolescents in individual and group therapy.
Conduct Comprehensive Clinical Assessments
Look beyond presenting symptoms to consider trauma history, development, family, culture, resettlement, school, community, strengths and current stressors.
Develop Effective Case Formulations and Treatment Plans
Integrate clinical, developmental, cultural and contextual information to guide individualised treatment planning.
Apply a Phased Approach to Trauma Treatment
Explore psychoeducation and expressive, body-based and mind-based approaches that can be incorporated into phased trauma treatment.
Work with Families, Schools and Communities
Strengthen clinical outcomes by working collaboratively with parents and caregivers, schools, communities and other professionals supporting the young person.
Monitor Progress and End Treatment Well
Consider how to evaluate clinical outcomes, recognise progress and prepare young people and families for the ending of treatment.
Sustain Yourself in Trauma Work
Explore reflective practice, professional boundaries and self-care when working with highly traumatised children, young people and families.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Specialist professional development for clinicians working therapeutically with children and adolescents from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds, including:
- Psychologists and clinical psychologists
- Social workers
- Counsellors and psychotherapists
- School counsellors and psychologists
- Child and adolescent mental health clinicians
- Mental health nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Other allied health and mental health professionals
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer