Psychological Support for Palestinian Refugees Amid Genocide and Structural Injustice
Abstract
The Israeli army continues to commit grave human rights violations against Palestinian people. This includes systematic stripping away of rights, dignity, starvation, dehumanisation and basic means of survival through apartheid. On 16 September 2025, the UN commission decreed that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza strip.
Palestinian refugees are experiencing deeply complex mental health needs, such as complex PTSD and changes in concentration, behaviour and personality. As an Arab clinician, it is important to reflect on what can be feasibly helpful and relevant to Palestinians fleeing the genocide.
Conventional therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy would seek to help patients process traumatic experiences and develop a sense of acceptance in an attempt to reduce their symptomology. But is this realistic, relevant and feasible to expect from a Palestinian who may not feel safe in their home or adoptive country? Especially when the trauma of the Palestinian experience is collective and generational.
When professional bodies do not provide guidance on how to support those affected by the genocide and perpetuate a blanket silence that supports the perpetrators, one does wonder what effective support may look like.
Dr Aldiwan’s presentation focusses on the mental health needs and realistic approach to supporting Palestinian refugees by considering:
- Attempts to address and support with the intergenerational trauma have been confounded in the UK, where protest risks criminalisation and cultural safety.
- Are addressing psychological needs enough when the suffering is rooted in Political, racial, medical and social injustice?
About the speaker
Dr Abdullah Aldiwan is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and guest lecturer at various universities. He has a keen interest in the application of westernised therapeutic approaches and perspective on the intersectionality’s of non-western individuals. He has experience of working with various mental health presentations and invites reality into his sessions with patients, which often involves considerations of real risks and realistic therapeutic goals.
Dr Aldiwan wrote an article entitled Healing in the Face of Genocide alongside colleagues who opted to remain anonymous for fears of professional and personal safety.
As an Arabic clinician who was not born in the UK, Dr Aldiwan is able to consider cultural relevance and factors when considering individualised needs within the therapeutic framework.
About the event organisers
This event is organised by the Refugee Mental Health and Place Network and co-sponsored by the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health.
Refugee Mental Health and Place Network
The Refugee Mental Health and Place Network is a growing network of researchers and community organisations exploring post-migration factors and refugee mental health. We seek to strengthen interdisciplinary expertise and intersectoral capacity to inform health and social policy to help improve mental health outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers.
ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health
The ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health develops research to promote and sustain good mental health in communities. We aim to shift public debate about mental health away from a focus on individualised interventions, towards social practices and policies that promote and sustain good mental health.
More information
This online event forms part of the Refugee Mental Health and Place Series, a collection of events which aims to deepen our understanding of the role of place in refugee mental health outcomes, the structural causes of mental health differences, and community sources of support.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Directory for Refugees and Migrants in London
The MHPSS Directory is a broad and detailed list of organisations providing mental health and social support services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in London and Greater London.
Find out more and download the MHPSS directory.
Contact the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health
We would like all our events to be inclusive and accessible. Please do not hesitate to contact us by email to csmh@kcl.ac.uk to let us know if you have any access requirements or to find out more about this session.
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