Sospesi fra più mondi: una esperienza di approccio di gruppo al disagio psichico del migrante

Objective. This paper describes the ethnopsychiatry group as a treatment tool within the clinic for migrants run in Milan by Naga association. Methods. Goals, methods and practical aspects of the ethnopsychiatry group are presented. Emphasis is given to special features of the group, in which several clinicians meet the patient and the key persons of his/her relational network. The theoretical background of this approach is discussed with reference to the Nathan’s work. Results: The authors underscore the amount and richness of information collected through the group as well as the difficulties of the therapeutic relationship. The multicultural and multidisciplinary context fosters the listening and understanding of patients’ problems through the activation of manifold meanings and interpretations. Conclusions. The ethnopsychiatry group is an interesting tool, likely to be useful in the management of psychological distress within a cross-cultural framework. An evaluation of its effectiveness is worthwile.