Helping Here and Now: A Year-Long Crisis Counseling Program for Psychologists "Voices of Children" has Concluded

Author:

Mariia Kucova

The practical psychologists of the "Voices of Children" Charitable Foundation have completed a year-long advanced training program titled "Crisis Intervention and Psychotherapy Techniques for War-Related Trauma", and received state standard certificates.

The program was developed by Ruslana Moroz, a member of the Center for Psychological Expertise and Methodology "Voices of Children." She spoke about the course and the results of the training.

Providing Targeted Assistance

Over the course of two years of large-scale war in Ukraine, the number of people, particularly children, in need of crisis-related psychological assistance has significantly increased. When providing this assistance, it is essential to immediately understand how to proceed based on the principle of "here and now". It is crucial to refrain from delving deeply into a person's emotional state, as this may only cause additional trauma.

I tried to teach them how to work more focused, work smarter, not harder to achieve their goals,
explained Ruslana.

Participants practiced providing crisis psychological assistance by analyzing fictional cases. In particular, they considered cases of violence, loss, and suicidal thoughts. The participants’ qualification work was to independently analyze one of these cases.

Results of the program

During the past year, the psychologists participating in the program have demonstrated significant professional growth. This was evident in their case analyses and overall work performance,
Ruslana observed.

This isn't just theory – the participants themselves put it into action. They were able to systematize their knowledge and use their new skills effectively.

It was very important to understand that crisis interventions are primarily about emotional stabilization, not therapy. I received effective tools that I immediately apply in my work,
shared one of the participants.

The participants also praised the content-rich and well-structured presentation, highlighting the extensive use of examples from Ruslana's practice.

The program "Crisis Intervention and Psychotherapy Techniques for War-Related Trauma" was recognized by the Ukrainian Scientific and Methodical Centre of Applied Psychology and Social Work at the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine.

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