Addressing Shame and Stigma around Homelessness

A recent study of RHY in Ireland suggests that shame and stigma act as significant barriers to homeless youth seeking help. In order to combat youth homelessness and associated feelings of shamefulness and stigmatization, researchers are testing a single-session intervention called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and finding positive results. ACT shows people that external, socio-political, and environmental factors play a big part in their homelessness; that it isn’t “all their fault” and that they can choose to reject negative labels assigned to those experiencing homelessness.

Read the Irish Times article here: 
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/a-new-therapeutic-approach-to-helping-young-homeless-people-1.3915474