By: Beck Institute Staff

As a global nonprofit focused on mental health, Beck Institute cares deeply about the wellbeing of individuals around the world. We understand that the acute and longstanding effects of war, conflict, and unrest are substantial. We recognize that mental health needs grow tremendously during these challenging times.

Beck Institute is committed to helping people experiencing crises and those who support them during difficult periods. In keeping with our mission, we want to help ease the suffering of fellow human beings in all the ways we can. To that end, we will share resources for health and mental health professionals and the individuals they serve over the coming weeks and months.

The first of these resources is from our Director of CBT Programs, Dr. Allen Miller.

Responding to Crises: Guidelines on Working with Refugees 

Dr. Allen Miller is the Director of CBT Programs at Beck Institute. He has spent years working in the area of disaster preparedness and response. Dr. Miller provided clinical care to the brave 9/11 first responders and had the privilege of working with displaced individuals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He has managed the mental health response to critical incidents including a fatal school shooting, and has treated many clients for all different types of trauma, including combat trauma, assaults, accidents, and others.

Individuals experiencing catastrophic events such as military conflicts, particularly those fleeing conflict zones, are often frightened, traumatized, and in shock. They may have been separated from family members and forced to leaves their homes. Their future is uncertain. As a result, many will experience disruptions to sleep and eating, intrusive thoughts, unwelcome memories, and exaggerated startle responses. These are all normal, but often upsetting, responses in the immediate aftermath of experiencing trauma. If you work in a helping profession, you may be wondering, “What can I do to help them?” 
 

If you are able to offer services to refugees from any area, here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Prepare by educating yourself about the culture and background of the people you are helping. How might you need to adapt your approach to ensure you are providing culturally-sensitive care? What special needs might this group have? Learn what services and supports are in place, and how your role will fit in with others providing support. 
  2. The first thing you’ll do is help refugees access food, clothing, shelter, and medical care in a safe environment. Once these basic needs are met, help them contact family or friends and establish some kind of daily routine or schedule. This could be something as simple as setting a time to wake up in the morning, or scheduling time to go for a brief walk each day. This can help individuals combat feelings of hopelessness, and lack of control.  
  3. Some people may want to talk about what has happened to them. If so, listen and allow them to talk. Some people may not want to talk. Don’t try to force them to talk if they don’t want to. Some people may not want to talk about what has happened but may still want company. Be with them and support them in any way possible. You can help them solve practical problems by providing information, connecting them with services, or helping them navigate the asylum system. Employ basic Rogerian counseling skills of genuineness, warmth, and empathy.
  4. Based on findings from research, in these early stages of shock and trauma formal psychotherapy, including CBT, is not recommended unless an individual requests such help. CBT may be considered when people continue to experience disruptions to their routines and are unable to return to their normal levels of functioning even after they are no longer in threatening situations. 


If you are interested in learning more about how you can help those impacted by current conflicts, the following resources may be useful: