'Better practice' – for migrants in drug aid institutions
Abstract
Based on three decades of experience in counselling, treatment and psychotherapy with clients with a migration background, as well as conceptualising and evaluating treatment interventions, this presentation will focus (i) the prerequisites of accessible and successful treatment, and (ii) the influence of (c)overt ethnocentrism. Important elements for specific health interventions include identifying and addressing mental health issues related to migration experiences and access barriers, and establishing principles of intercultural communication. Prevention of systemic discrimination against migrants is likely to influence their presence and successes in treatment. The development of transcultural competences can be seriously obstructed by (c)overt ethnocentric tendencies in treatment and in scientific and administrative attitudes.