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Megan Brunmier Marsh, Psy.D., is a 2017 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Roger Peterson, Ph.D., ABPP, Committee Chair
  • Lorraine Mangione, Ph.D., Committee Member
  • Dean Hammer, Psy.D., Committee Member

Keywords

Iraqi refugees, posttraumatic stress, mental health, professional training, refugees

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2017

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a thorough nine-hour professional training program targeting the cultural humility of mental health clinicians who are treating new Iraqi refugee communities. I used the 15-step evidence-based Comprehensive Program Development Model created by Calley (2009) for the design of the structure, curriculum, and materials for this proposed program (Calley, 2011). The training program is informed by conceptual frameworks of cultural competence and humility, ecological systems theory, and social justice with goals of (a) exploring clinicians’ cultural attitudes in order to improve self-awareness at multiple levels (e.g., physiological, psychological, interpersonal), (b) increasing clinicians’ knowledge about Iraqi refugee resettlement, and (c) developing clinicians’ intervention skills with this at-risk population. The impact of personal uncertainty on extremist attitudes and behaviors is described and connected to human physiological fear responses that arise in the context of intercultural encounters. An empirical needs assessment of an exemplary rural New England clinic complements the literature review; the program is designed to be responsive to the needs faced by clinics serving new Iraqi communities. Program structure includes rigorous evaluation and quality improvement mechanisms.

Comments

Megan Brunmier Marsh

ORCID Scholar ID# 0000-0001-9918-971X

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