Psychological Therapies for Survivors of Torture: A human-rights approach with people seeking asylum

A useful reference for nurses working with refugees or those teaching nursing students

★ ★ ★ 

Shining a light on the plight of refugees who have survived torture may seem a niche area, but the experiences and insights of the contributors to this book have a universal appeal.

Several chapters provide established features of a therapy text such as assessment and recovery, and particular modality, such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Some include therapeutic process, such as working with interpreters.

Others identify the need to embrace additional context such as gender-specific, young and separated, and sexuality.

The book would be helpful for anyone working with refugees, and a useful purchase for mental health nurses working with this population as well as nurses with a psychotherapeutic role.

For others who come into contact with refugees, it may provide a useful reference point. It could also inform university teaching of subjects such as trauma, complex mental health and therapeutic engagement for nursing students.

Jude Boyles | PCCS Books | 420pp | £24.99 | ISBN: 9781910919330

Reviewed by Dr Robert Tummey, course director for mental health nursing, Coventry University