Psychotic illness in an adolescent is a catastrophic event for families,
particularly migrant families, who tend to use mental health services less than
mainstream families. This article presents a clinical approach that takes into
account the work of culture in the construction of meaning and the development
of coping strategies for migrant families faced with the onset of psychosis in
an adolescent. This approach transforms the therapeutic space into a
transitional one that allows the interplay of many different interpretations and
strategies to deal with the crisis. Recognizing the potential value of
non-western systems of knowledge, offering help as the family grieves the loss
of its expectations for their child, mobilizing support systems, and
strengthening the therapeutic alliance are the key elements in this process.
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