Psychological First Aid: Ukrainian psychologists in Chernihiv received the skills of working with people affected by the armed conflict in the East

Training for psychologists "Psychological First Aid and Crisis Intervention" lasted during June 14-16 in Chernihiv. The trainers Olena Sudakova - medical psychologist-psychotherapist, PhD in Psychology, and Iryna Tkach - clinical psychologist, trauma therapist note that the event was aimed at developing the competencies of first aid providers - the so-called "assistants", and at crisis intervention in emergency situations, as well as at providing participants with advanced knowledge and useful practical skills in psychological support of the people affected by the armed conflict, and their further integration into communities.

31 participants from different regions of Ukraine attended the training, and, according to the trainers, the group was motivated, active and ready for a fruitful work. The group included practicing psychologists, employees of psychological centers, civic and humanitarian organizations. All of them actively contribute to mental recovery of people affected by the armed conflict, which has been going on for sixth years in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

It is important to understand that the impact of armed conflict and its direct aftermath are not limited to physical injuries of people (for example, injuries due to hostilities). Psychological aid and recovery of people affected by the armed conflict is extremely important. On the other hand, psychological care providers also need support, and much attention has been paid to this aspect in the training. Thus, among the most active blocks, the trainers singled out the following: care for providers of assistance and self-help, exercise "Simulation", and principles of first aid.

"According to participants, a distinctive feature of this training is crisis simulation in a safe and comfortable environment and the opportunity to "walk a mile in a victim’s shoes". Due to the optimal number of people in the group techniques aimed at self-assistance of first aid providers and establishing the first contact with people affected by the crisis were introduced," Olena Sudakova and Iryna Tkach emphasize.

The training was implemented within the “Crisis prevention and Peace building in Ukraine – Time to Act!” project, supported with German Federal Foreign Office’s funds by IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), Funding programme zivik.