Psychological first aid: psychologists in Cherkasy increased their insight on working with victims of an armed conflict

Training for psychologists "Psychological First Aid and Crisis Intervention" lasted during August 9-11, 2019 in Cherkasy. The trainers are Iryna Tkach, clinical psychologist and trauma therapist, and Olena Sudakova, a medical psychologist-psychotherapist, PhD in Psychology.

The trainers noted that the event was aimed at developing the competencies of first aid providers – the so-called "assistants", and at crisis intervention in emergencies. 33 participants attended the training, including practicing psychologists, employees of psychological centres, and specialists involved in the process of mental recovery of people affected by the armed conflict.

According to the trainers, during the study on the first day, eight techniques were worked out, which were aimed at psychological care providers’ self-help in establishing the first contact with people affected by the crisis.

"The second day of the training was dedicated to further the study of first aid and its final stage. The participants were deeply interested and lively discussed the distinction between the conditions where to use first aid and when to move on to crisis intervention. Ten techniques based on the training topic were introduced into the work. The third day of the training was dedicated to further the study of crisis intervention methods and its final stage. Post-training reflection identified the following blocks: the structure of first aid care providing method and crisis intervention, modelling, the boundaries of care, principles of operation, the model of crisis intervention, the distinction between these methods. All participants have mastered and are planning to use the method of first aidit in their own professional activities. 33 participants have mastered 22 techniques and exercises".

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.