An introduction to working with refugees and asylum seekers (CPD22)
Gain insight into the realities of being a refugee and how professionals can provide effective support
This two-day online workshop offers an insight into what it means to be a refugee and an asylum seeker. We will consider the role of trauma, assessment of risk and how to nurture resilience and strength using different therapeutic techniques drawn from a range of theoretical models.
Aims and learning objectives
In this workshop, we will look at psychological, social, legal and somatic aspects of the refugee experience including brain/body connections and the ‘migration of identity’ refugees go through as they adjust and try to integrate into the host society.
You will learn about innovative resilience-based group and community interventions such as the Tree of Life and Team of Life which are particularly applicable for working with children and young people.
Finally, we will emphasise the role of vicarious trauma and the importance of self-care.
Who is this course for?
This online course is for you if you are working or are engaged in (or want to) work with asylum seeking/refugee people in different capacities.
You may be working in any of the following roles:
- voluntary worker
- social worker
- manager
- mental health worker
- teacher
- psychologist
- community/voluntary sector worker
- GP
- public sector worker
- psychotherapist
Course details
The course will last ten hours in total, split over two days.
Cohort 1:
| Workshops | Date | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1/2 | Friday 14th November 2025 | 9:30am | 3:30pm |
| Session 2/2 | Monday 17th November 2025 | 9:30am | 3:30pm |
This course will be delivered remotely using Zoom and the sessions will not be recorded.
You will need a device with a microphone and camera together with a suitably fast internet connection. Although mobile devices and tablets can be used, we recommend the use of a laptop or desktop PC for the best experience. Some devices provided by employers may have restrictions in place. Please use this Zoom test link to check your set up before booking.
You will be sent the necessary login link about a week before the course start date. Should you have any concerns about the accessibility of remote delivery please contact us to discuss how we can best help you.
Workshop: day one
This workshop will cover the following areas:
- who is a refugee?
- legal and social definitions
- the refugee journey
- trauma (PTSD, complex trauma)
- mind and body connections
- ‘the body keeps the score’
- risk assessment
Workshop: day two
This workshop will cover the following areas:
- resilience
- migration of identity
- theoretical models and therapeutic interventions
- narrative techniques
- double listening
- group and community approaches such as Tree of Life and Team of Life
- self-care
Read this blog post by the course facilitator Nsimire Bisimwa, to find out more about the course.
Testimonials
Course facilitators
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Nsimire Aimee Bisimwa
Highly Specialist Systemic & Family Psychotherapist
Book your place today
You can book a place at any time. You’ll receive confirmation by email, and we will be in touch approximately one week before the course starts with detailed joining instructions.
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