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.
Module 1 Psychological Support 2

Learning Objectives
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Describe the purpose of psychological support
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Describe the role of community responders in the provision of psychological support
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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
 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:
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Blue cards write the name of a person close to you on each card
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Green cards - write down one of your favorite belongings
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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
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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
 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
 Good Listening skills
 Patient
 Caring attitude
 Trustworthy
 Approachable
 Culturally competent
 Empathetic
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Essential attributes and skills
 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
Module 1 Psychological Support 12

Community-based Approach
 Builds on local resources
 Allows for trained volunteers to mentor untrained volunteers
 Focuses on strengthening groups and networks
 Community involvement improves the response
Module 1 Psychological Support 13

Indigenous Healing Networks and Practices
 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
 Trained Community Responders can provide:
Basic psychological skills to help victims of crisis, shock and loss
Ready cultural insights into the community
Module 1 Psychological Support 15

Activity # 3 – Stranger in a
Strange Land
In order to get assistance from the relief agency, you must first read and sign this form:
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Nuair a shroicheann tú imeall gach arbh eol duit,
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Ní mór duit ceann de dhá rud a chreidiúint
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Go mbeidh talamh ann le seasamh air
• nó go mbronnfar sciatháin chun eitilte ort.
Signature____________________ Date_____________
Module 1 Psychological Support 16

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
 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
Module 1 Psychological Support 18

Care with terminology
 Words can have a powerful effect on situations
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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
Module 1 Psychological Support 19

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Active Involvement
 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
 May prevent future problems
 Helps people to handle problems in a way that does create MORE problems
 Promotes resiliency
Module 1 Psychological Support 22

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
Module 1 Psychological Support 23