Our Approach
Working with our clients towards recovery requires a framework of understanding that brings together historical, political and social influences which impact their lives on a daily basis.
We understand that survivors’ wellbeing is affected by a complex interplay of their history of torture and other traumatic events, the risk and protective factors they encounter in Australia and cross-cultural factors at play in a new settlement environment.
Our Integrated Trauma Recovery Service Model outlines the cohesive nature of our approach to working with, and for, survivors of torture and other traumatic events who come from refugee backgrounds.
Working with communities
Community capacity building is an important component of our specialist work in trauma recovery.
Our Framework for Community Capacity Building is underpinned by three key principles, which work towards the independence, autonomy and enhanced wellbeing of a community:
- Build cohesive relationships and external partnerships
- Build reciprocal understanding through dialogue
- Build on community skills and resources
Rebuilding shattered lives
Originally produced in 1998, Rebuilding Shattered Lives is an indispensable guide for those working with survivors of torture and trauma from a refugee background, such as workers in community services, primary health care agencies, language centres and schools, which outlines:
- An overview of the refugee experience
- The psychosocial impact of torture and trauma
- Symptoms, signs and behaviours
- Recovery goals
- Strategies for effective interventions
- Professional issues for practitioners
A revised and enlarged second edition of Rebuilding Shattered Lives is now available for purchase through our website.