This can be intensified by feelings of guilt, especially if their relatives suffered as a result of them leaving the country, or are in a difficult financial situation. These concerns may play a positive role in helping distract the survivor from preoccupation with his or her own past experiences. Towards More Supportive Interactions Service providers who are able to communicate some basic knowledge about the refugee-survivor's country of origin will greatly increase his or her feeling of being understood. An empathetic approach includes listening to information provided about survivors' countries, rather than dismissing it as irrelevant. The positive attachment which survivors of torture have for their country of origin is still important to them, even though they may have suffered greatly at the hands of government authorities there.
Practical assistance is very important to survivors of torture.
Being able to provide practical assistance will greatly increase trust in the helping relationship. It is of the utmost importance for service providers to recognize that although refugee-survivors face enormous difficulties, they also have many strengths. Most have a strong sense of independence and are well motivated to improve their situation.