Module 1Psychological Support
Acknowledgements
This training program is an adaptation of “Community-Based
Psychological Support” developed by the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The following citation is recommended for this curriculum:
Zagurski, R., Bulling, D., Chang, R. (2005). Nebraska Psychological
First Aid Curriculum. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Public
Policy Center.
Special Acknowledgement is made to the reviewers:
Anthony Ng, M.D.
Gilbert Reyes, Ph.D.
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Learning Objectives
 Describe the purpose of psychological support
 Describe the role of community responders in
the provision of psychological support
 Describe the basic principles involved in the
implementation of a psychological support
program in a disaster situation
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Consequences of Critical Events
like Disaster often include LOSS
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Loss of loved ones
Loss of material goods
Loss of employment/income
Loss of social cohesion
Loss of dignity, trust and safety
Loss of positive self-image
Loss of trust in the future
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Activity # 1 – What if I lost…
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Give out 3 blue, 3 green and 3 white index cards - each person
will get 9 total cards. On each card:
• Blue cards - write the name of a person close to you on
each card
• Green cards - write down one of your favorite belongings
• White cards - write down something you enjoy, an activity,
or hobby.
After you have written on each card, place them face down on
the table and shuffle them around. Close your eyes and pick
three cards.
These are the three things you will have lost in a disaster.
Discuss with the group how you feel about losing these things
or people
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Role of Disaster Mental Health
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Primarily directed toward “normal”
people who are responding normally to
an abnormal situation
Identifying those at risk for severe social
or psychological impairment
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Community Responder Activities
Provide Social support
 Educate about normal and
abnormal stress reactions
 Train on Stress Management
techniques
 Mobilize Community Resources
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Psychological Support
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Relieve suffering, both emotional and
physical
Improve people’s short term functioning
Accelerate the individual’s course of
recovery
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Activity # 2 - Brainstorming
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What main attributes and skills should a
volunteer have when offering
psychological support?
Spend 5 minutes brainstorming and
writing down those characteristics which
are likely to be required.
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Essential attributes and skills
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Good Listening skills
Patient
Caring attitude
Trustworthy
Approachable
Culturally competent
Empathetic
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Essential attributes and skills
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Non-judgmental approach
Kind
Committed
Flexible
Able to tolerate chaos
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Basic principals of Psychological
Support
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Do no harm
Community-based
approach
Recognizes and uses
indigenous healing
networks and practices
Uses trained volunteers
Empowers
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Encourages Community
participation
Exercises Care with
terminology
Encourages Active
involvement
Values Early intervention
Uses Viable
interventions
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Community-based Approach
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Builds on local resources
Allows for trained volunteers to mentor
untrained volunteers
Focuses on strengthening groups and
networks
Community involvement improves the
response
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Indigenous Healing Networks
and Practices
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Provide education, support and a
framework for customs and traditions in
trauma and loss
Understand that stress and grief are all
expressed differently by different
cultures
Provide assistance in understanding
what is sacred.
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Trained Community Responders
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Trained Community Responders can
provide:
• Basic psychological skills to help victims of
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crisis, shock and loss
Ready cultural insights into the community
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Activity # 3 – Stranger in a
Strange Land
In order to get assistance from the relief agency, you must first read
and sign this form:
• Nuair a shroicheann tú imeall gach arbh eol duit,
• Ní mór duit ceann de dhá rud a chreidiúint
• Go mbeidh talamh ann le seasamh air
• nó go mbronnfar sciatháin chun eitilte ort.
Signature____________________
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Date_____________
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Empowerment
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Over-helping can be humiliating and/or create
passivity
Quality relief and assistance is based on
helping others to gain self-respect and
autonomy (empowerment)
Abilities and strengths of the recipient are as
important as their problems
High degree of community participation
enhances empowerment
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Community Participation
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Promotes empowerment and local
ownership
Helps restore control over their own lives
as well as the life of the community
Mobilizes collective strengths to restore
natural community networks
Helps reintegrate individuals and families
within their communities
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Care with terminology
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Words can have a powerful effect on
situations
Blanket statements are often misleading
or false
“trauma” is a clinical term. It does not
promote healing
The concept of an “Active survivor” can
enhance empowerment
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TRAUMA
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Active Involvement
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Focus on strengths rather than
symptoms and deficits
Identify and strengthen coping
mechanisms
Actively involve the person in helping to
sort out their problems
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Early intervention
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May prevent future problems
Helps people to handle problems in a
way that does create MORE problems
Promotes resiliency
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Translation of Activity # 3
When you come to the edge
of all that you know,
You must believe in one of two things;
There will be earth on which to stand,
Or you will be given wings.
Anonymous
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