Politicised notions of professional identity and psychosocial practice among practitioners working with asylum seekers and refugees

Abstract

This is the first study undertaken in the UK that investigates the notion of professional identity among practitioners who work with asylum seekers and refugees. Drawing on a social constructionist epistemology and a Foucauldian theoretical and methodological framework of power and discourse, I analysed extracts from semi-structured interviews that were conducted with eight specialist professionals who have worked with this population. The findings of this study suggest that the notion of professional identity among these practitioners envelops a social and political activist stance and a deep sense of commitment towards promoting social change within the wider community. Likewise, clinical work with refugees combines professional knowledge and values with a politicised involvement that fosters a psychosocial perspective on clients' distress and difficulties.

Keywords:

• asylum seekers
• refugees
• politicised professional identity
• psychosocial clinical work

Acknowledgement

The research was conducted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at The University of Wales.

Notes on contributor

Zoe Apostolidou holds a doctorate degree in Counselling Psychology from The University of Wales. She has worked in a number of NGOs and charitable organisations and provided psychological therapy, and psychosocial support to migrants, asylum seekers, women suffering from domestic violence, as well as, with individuals facing other psychosocial difficulties. In addition, she has worked as a researcher on projects that focus on refugees' and migrants' psychosocial needs.