Psychologists in Ternopil worked on the principles of providing psychosocial assistance to those affected by the armed conflict

During August 16-18, the training "Basic principles of providing psychosocial assistance in emergencies and crises", attended by practicing psychologists, employees of psychological centres, civic organizations that assist people affected by the armed conflict in the East, was implemented in Ternopil. This is the first module of the fifth, final training course this year.

The trainers – Iryna Tkach, clinical psychologist and trauma therapist, and Olena Sudakova, a medical psychologist-psychotherapist, PhD in Psychology – helped participants to acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills, necessary for further work with those affected by the conflict.

According to the trainers, nine practical exercises and techniques were mastered on the first day of the training, twenty-five on the second day and eleven on the third day.

The trainers noted that the group included, among others, specialists who are internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"In the process of getting acquainted with the group, it was established that the group consists of people who professionally provide psychosocial assistance, mostly within civic organizations. Some members of the group provide psychosocial services within government agencies. 10 participants are IDPs, 25 work with veterans and provide them with psychosocial assistance. During introduction, all members of the group noted that they learn about the structure of psychosocial assistance for the first time", the trainers emphasized.

According to the trainers, the group was enthusiastic to acquire new knowledge and skills, and was also interested in further work on providing psychosocial assistance in emergencies and crises.

"A positive effect was the fact that the group was interested in the topic, as evidenced by clarifying questions, and this contributed to the improvement of the dynamics and the level of mastering the material", Iryna Tkach and Olena Sudakova summed up.

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.