Triggering Safe Attachment Waves to Foster Healing in International Protection-Seeking Environments

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe present article aims to illustrate how healing for children and families seeking international protection is preceded by the promotion and establishment of safe attachment interactions not only with minors and their caregivers but also with any stakeholder involved in their environment. This is a recognition of both the security chains a therapist can trigger, and how relational safety and trust constitute a necessary condition and are actually interventions – to heal both from past and present trauma derived from the unstable and uncertain pre and post-migration experiences families and children go through. Suggestions are provided on how mental health professionals can repair and enhance such eroded safety and trust by intervening inside and outside the therapy room, and on how Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy may constitute a valuable framework to inform our clinical work in this scenario.