Module Directory

This Module consists exclusively of Seminars offered, mostly, by practitioners in the field who convey the realities of working with refugees and other involuntarily dislocated people.

Suitable for all professionals and non-professional workers who are engaged in (or want to) work with refugee and other involuntarily dislocated people in different capacities (from voluntary workers, community workers and public sector workers, to social workers, managers, teachers, psychologists and psychotherapists).

This module is based in the oldest and longest running course in this field in the UK and aims to assist those working with asylum seeking people/refugees to enhance their understanding and skills in the context of their own work experience.

Drawing on a range of different therapeutic approaches (mainly and broadly systemic and psychodynamic) the module endeavours to create a facilitative space within which to examine the complexities of therapeutic engagement with involuntarily dislocated people from various contexts, by reflecting on multiple levels of perspectives, from the bodily, personal and interpersonal contexts to the family, community, wider cultural and political levels.

The aims of this module are: 

• To explore theoretical issues pertaining to the asylum seeking/refugee/involuntary dislocation experience and the dynamics involved in supporting people who have had such experiences


• To develop practical skills in working with and supporting people who undergo/have undergone such experiences


• To exchange ideas and share experiences and feelings about this work


• To present and discuss specific work issues for reflection in a learning community

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to: 

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the theoretical issues pertaining to the asylum seeking / refugee / involuntary dislocation experience and the dynamics involved in supporting people with such experiences


2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the distinction between offering psychotherapy with people with such experiences and introducing a ‘therapeutic dimension’ in any relevant communication with them


3. Demonstrate a specific understanding of how a “therapeutic dimension” can be applied in relevant contexts

The concept of 'being therapeutic', introducing a 'therapeutic dimension' as a distinct form of psychosocial approach in working with people who experienced various forms of involuntary dislocation

Psychodynamic approaches; identifying relevant insights that can enrich a 'therapeutic dimension'

Systemic approaches; identifying relevant insights that can enrich a 'therapeutic dimension'

Narrative approaches; identifying relevant insights that can enrich a 'therapeutic dimension'

Body Oriented Psychotherapy: identifying relevant insights that can enrich a 'therapeutic dimension'

Forms of Creative Arts Therapy: identifying relevant insights that can enrich a 'therapeutic dimension'

Other relevant approaches that can contribute to enriching a 'therapeutic dimension'

Working with those who were tortured; with racism and xenophobia; with interpreters; with separated children; with domestic violence.

This module will be delivered via:

• Each session will be recorded and made available to students through listen again
• We will also make use of Zoom break out rooms to facilitate participation for those who may feel anxious initially to speak in large groups
• In addition to the module tutor, external lecturers from other institutions will be invited as guest lecturers