Mindfulness-Based Trauma Recovery for Refugees (MBTR-R)

"MBTR-R is a mindfulness-based group intervention of nine 2.5-hour weekly sessions. MBTR-R format and structure parallel MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) and MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy). MBTR-R includes systematic training in formal and informal mindfulness practices with trauma-sensitive adaptations and home practice. Trauma-sensitive adaptations include a safe place practice, psychoeducation about posttraumatic stress, stress reactivity, as well as self-compassion practices to cope with fear, self-judgement, guilt and shame. Socio-cultural adaptations include real-time linguistic translation of each session by a cultural mediator from the refugee community and use of socio-culturally specific metaphors. MBTR-R groups were conducted for men and women separately and delivered in an accessible, safe space in the local refugee community. Group meetings included a shared meal of traditional Eritrean food and female participants were offered free child care."