Testimonial psychotherapy for adolescent refugees: a case series

Adolescent refugees are a traumatized, vulnerable group of arrivals to America who lack experience with or interest in psychiatric care. Testimonial psychotherapy's unique focus on transcribing personal, traumatic events for the altruistic purpose of education and advocacy make it an acceptable interaction by which to bridge the cultural gap that prevents young refugees from seeking psychiatric care. The theoretical basis for testimony is discussed. Testimonial psychotherapy has been used with adult refugees, but not with adolescents. This article describes the testimonial process with three Sudanese adolescents (the so-called 'Lost Boys'), which appeared feasible and safe. An efficacy study is underway.