"They have no idea what it is like to lose home at the risk of never finding home again, have your entire life split between two lands and become the bridge between two countries." — Rupi Kaur, Milk & Honey
Why focus on immigrant communities?
- Prejudice and discrimination are connected to negative mental-health outcomes.
- For immigrants, an emphasis on exploring and maintaining a connection to one's cultural/ethnic identity in therapy can help reduce the effects of prejudice and discrimination.
- EAP has clinicians who are bilingual, bicultural, and who practice cultural humility, meaning that we have the ability to communicate with clients on a linguistic and somatic level, as well as a curiosity about the client's cultural experiences that can help with building the relationship.
Sources:
Sattler, F, and Zeyen, J (2021). Intersecting Identities, Minority Stress, and Mental Health Problems in Different Sexual and Ethnic Groups. Stigma and Health, Vol. 6, No. 4, 457–466. ISSN: 2376-6972 https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000340
Awad, G., et al. (2021). Coping With Trauma: Resilience Among Immigrants of Color in the United States. In Tummala-Narra, P., Trauma and racial minority immigrants: Turmoil, uncertainty, and resistance (pp. 229-244). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000214-013