Working with asylum seeker clients presenting with self harm and suicidality is a challenging and anxiety provoking experience for clinicians. Omara will present two cases, different in their clinical presentations, yet equally interesting in their responses to treatment.
The first case is a Kurdish former asylum seeker who spent time in detention, and has a history of being assessed for suicide risk and the need for support and a containing space. He presents with significant irritability, restlessness and impulsivity. His trauma history is unknown.
The second case is a female asylum seeker from Nigeria who fled Female Genital Mutilation and presents with low mood, excessive anxiety, intrusiveness and hyper-vigilence. She feels unsafe and expresses suicidal thoughts.
This presentation focuses not only on reinforcing exisiting protocols in suicide prevention, but will also explore some of the more intuitive and non-scripted therapeutic approaches with asylum seeker individuals presenting with self harm and suicidal ideation.