vivo project is 2nd in the category ‘civil society’!
Lesen Sie weiter: Integration Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg
Integration Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg
vivo project is 2nd in the category ‘civil society’!
Continue reading: Integration Award of the State of Baden-Württemberg
The new newsletter arrived!
In the new newsletter, we report on various current activities of vivo. Enjoy reading!
In the new newsletter, we report on various current activities of vivo. Enjoy reading!
Childhood sexual abuse in Burundi
Schneider, J., Rukundo-Zeller, A., Bambonyé, M., Muhoza, J.-A., Ndayikengurukiye, T., Nitanga, L., Rushoza, A. A., Crombach, A.(2025).
Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse Related Mental Health Deterioration Using a Narrative Family Intervention in Burundi
Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology.
Schneider, J., Rukundo-Zeller, A. C., Bambonyé, M., Lust, S., Mugisha, H., Muhoza, J. A., … & Crombach, A. (2024).
The impact of parental acceptance and childhood maltreatment on mental health and physical pain in Burundian survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Child Abuse & Neglect, 154, 106906.
Schneider, J., Rukundo-Zeller, A., Bambonyé, M., Muhoza, J.-A., Ndayikengurukiye, T., Nitanga, L., Rushoza, A. A., Crombach, A.(2025).
Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse Related Mental Health Deterioration Using a Narrative Family Intervention in Burundi
Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology.
Schneider, J., Rukundo-Zeller, A. C., Bambonyé, M., Lust, S., Mugisha, H., Muhoza, J. A., … & Crombach, A. (2024).
The impact of parental acceptance and childhood maltreatment on mental health and physical pain in Burundian survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Child Abuse & Neglect, 154, 106906.
Studies about NETfacts and FORNET
Robjant, K., Schmitt, S., Carleial, S., Elbert, T., Abreu, L., Chibashimba, A., … & Koebach, A. (2022).
NETfacts: An integrated intervention at the individual and collective level to treat communities affected by organized violence.
PNAS, 119 (44)
Koebach A & Robjant K (2021).
NETfacts: a community intervention integrating trauma treatment at the individual and collective level.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1)
Koebach, A., Carleial, S., Elbert, T., Schmitt, S., & Robjant, K. (2021).
Treating trauma and aggression with narrative exposure therapy in former child and adult soldiers: A randomized controlled trial in Eastern DR Congo.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 89(3), 143–155
Robjant, K., Koebach, A., Schmitt, S., Chibashimba, A., Carleial, S., & Elbert, T. (2019).
The treatment of posttraumatic stress symptoms and aggression in female former child soldiers using adapted Narrative Exposure therapy–a RCT in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Behaviour research and therapy, 123, 103482
Robjant, K., Schmitt, S., Carleial, S., Elbert, T., Abreu, L., Chibashimba, A., … & Koebach, A. (2022).
NETfacts: An integrated intervention at the individual and collective level to treat communities affected by organized violence.
PNAS, 119 (44)
Koebach A & Robjant K (2021).
NETfacts: a community intervention integrating trauma treatment at the individual and collective level.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1)
Koebach, A., Carleial, S., Elbert, T., Schmitt, S., & Robjant, K. (2021).
Treating trauma and aggression with narrative exposure therapy in former child and adult soldiers: A randomized controlled trial in Eastern DR Congo.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 89(3), 143–155
Robjant, K., Koebach, A., Schmitt, S., Chibashimba, A., Carleial, S., & Elbert, T. (2019).
The treatment of posttraumatic stress symptoms and aggression in female former child soldiers using adapted Narrative Exposure therapy–a RCT in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Behaviour research and therapy, 123, 103482
Trauma therapy training for Ukraine
vivo international is implementing an extensive NET curriculum for Ukrainian mental health professionals to support civilians and military members suffering from trauma-related disorders. Lesen Sie weiter: Trauma therapy training for Ukraine
vivo international is implementing an extensive NET curriculum for Ukrainian mental health professionals to support civilians and military members suffering from trauma-related disorders. Continue reading: Trauma therapy training for Ukraine
We have a new newsletter!
This year we report on vivo activities around the world, for example in the DR Congo, Burundi and Ukraine. In the portrait we introduce vivo member Amani Chibashimba.
Enjoy reading!
This year we report on vivo activities around the world, for example in the DR Congo, Burundi and Ukraine. In the portrait we introduce vivo member Amani Chibashimba.
Enjoy reading!
Video on vivo’s work in Uganda
Together with Ugandan vivo employees, our long-standing partner Omoana has produced a short video that explains trauma therapy in Uganda very well.
You can watch the video under this link.
Together with Ugandan vivo employees, our long-standing partner Omoana has produced a short video that explains trauma therapy in Uganda very well.
You can watch the video under this link.
Understanding and Overcoming Conflicts
In August, the vivo counselling team in Gulu, Uganda participated in a two-day training course facilitated by Wibke Angelike, a trainer and mediator of non-violent conflict resolution working for the German Civil Peace Service in cooperation with the Justice and Peace Department of the Gulu Archdiocese. Lesen Sie weiter: Understanding and Overcoming Conflicts
In August, the vivo counselling team in Gulu, Uganda participated in a two-day training course facilitated by Wibke Angelike, a trainer and mediator of non-violent conflict resolution working for the German Civil Peace Service in cooperation with the Justice and Peace Department of the Gulu Archdiocese. Continue reading: Understanding and Overcoming Conflicts
Support for pregnant adolescents
vivo international e. V. is currently implementing a project on the social integration of unintentionally pregnant adolescents in Burundi in cooperation with the partner organisation Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi (PSF-BU) and funded by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg.
Lesen Sie weiter: Support for pregnant adolescents
vivo international e. V. is currently implementing a project on the social integration of unintentionally pregnant adolescents in Burundi in cooperation with the partner organisation Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi (PSF-BU) and funded by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg.
Continue reading: Support for pregnant adolescents
Strengthening therapeutic competences
In cooperation with Dr Anselm Crombach, Eva Schade, psychotherapist in training, offered a seven-day training programme to strengthen the psychotherapeutic skills of Burundian and Congolese psychologists in Bujumbura, Burundi.
In cooperation with Dr Anselm Crombach, Eva Schade, psychotherapist in training, offered a seven-day training programme to strengthen the psychotherapeutic skills of Burundian and Congolese psychologists in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Cost and benefits of participating in trauma-focused projects
Hawkar Ibrahim, Katharina Goessmann & Frank Neuner (2022).
Sharing for relief: associations of trauma-focused interviews and well-being among war-affected displaced
populations in the Middle East.
Ethics & Behavior
Hawkar Ibrahim, Katharina Goessmann & Frank Neuner (2022).
Sharing for relief: associations of trauma-focused interviews and well-being among war-affected displaced
populations in the Middle East.
Ethics & Behavior
Permanent support for children
For many years, vivo has supported the position of a school counselor at a Tanzanian primary school. Over time, not only the children have grown, but the school has also grown and now includes several locations as well as a secondary school.
For many years, vivo has supported the position of a school counselor at a Tanzanian primary school. Over time, not only the children have grown, but the school has also grown and now includes several locations as well as a secondary school.
NET as community-based approach
Bedard‐Gilligan, M., Kaysen, D., Cordero, R. M., Huh, D., Walker, D., Kaiser‐Schaur, E., … & Pearson, C. (2022).
Adapting narrative exposure therapy with a tribal community: A community‐based approach.
Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Bedard‐Gilligan, M., Kaysen, D., Cordero, R. M., Huh, D., Walker, D., Kaiser‐Schaur, E., … & Pearson, C. (2022).
Adapting narrative exposure therapy with a tribal community: A community‐based approach.
Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Long-term effects of training in orphanages
Hecker T, Mkinga G, Hartmann E, Nkuba M, Hermenau, K (2022).
Sustainability of effects and secondary long-term outcomes: One-year follow-up of a cluster-randomized controlled trial to prevent maltreatment in institutional care.
PLOS Global Public Health, 2(5), e0000286.
Hecker T, Mkinga G, Hartmann E, Nkuba M, Hermenau, K (2022).
Sustainability of effects and secondary long-term outcomes: One-year follow-up of a cluster-randomized controlled trial to prevent maltreatment in institutional care.
PLOS Global Public Health, 2(5), e0000286.
Successful project completion
Despite the devastating pandemic and political situation in Brazil, the project on NET in poor neighbourhoods (favealas) in Rio de Janeiro was successfully completed: even in the context of an increased risk of violence, NET was superior to the usual local treatment in terms of reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Lesen Sie weiter: Successful project completion
Despite the devastating pandemic and political situation in Brazil, the project on NET in poor neighbourhoods (favealas) in Rio de Janeiro was successfully completed: even in the context of an increased risk of violence, NET was superior to the usual local treatment in terms of reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Continue reading: Successful project completion
Success of peer support for refugees
Since 2017, vivo international has established an innovative care model for coordinated psychotherapeutic care for refugees in the district of Constance with the involvement of supervised peers. You can read about the development of the project here.
In 2021, the group of supervised peers was expanded to a total of 20, who were also qualified as language mediators. Additionally to the project activities such as networking meetings and information events, intervision for therapists and supervision for supervised peers and language mediators, a randomised controlled trial started in March 2021 to investigate the effectiveness of coordinated psychotherapeutic care involving supervised peers in comparison to standard treatment.
Since 2017, vivo international has established an innovative care model for coordinated psychotherapeutic care for refugees in the district of Constance with the involvement of supervised peers. You can read about the development of the project here.
In 2021, the group of supervised peers was expanded to a total of 20, who were also qualified as language mediators. Additionally to the project activities such as networking meetings and information events, intervision for therapists and supervision for supervised peers and language mediators, a randomised controlled trial started in March 2021 to investigate the effectiveness of coordinated psychotherapeutic care involving supervised peers in comparison to standard treatment.
The German newsletter is available
In this year’s German newsletter we would like to celebrate vivo’s 20th anniversary with some throwbacks and insights. In the portrait we present Anselm Crombach and his work in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In this year’s German newsletter we would like to celebrate vivo’s 20th anniversary with some throwbacks and insights. In the portrait we present Anselm Crombach and his work in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Family intervention to cope with sexual violence
In Burundi, vivo international e.V. is running a project in cooperation with Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi (PSF-BU), which trains psychologists in first reception centres for survivors of sexual violence in dealing with minors.
Lesen Sie weiter: Family intervention to cope with sexual violence
In Burundi, vivo international e.V. is running a project in cooperation with Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi (PSF-BU), which trains psychologists in first reception centres for survivors of sexual violence in dealing with minors.
Continue reading: Family intervention to cope with sexual violence
Fearless – Support for young refugees
Since 2020, vivo international e.V., in cooperation with the University of Konstanz and the psychotherapy training institutes in Baden-Württemberg, has been addressing the mental health of young refugees who are seeking protection and asylum in Baden-Württemberg without parents or care. Lesen Sie weiter: Fearless – Support for young refugees
Since 2020, vivo international e.V., in cooperation with the University of Konstanz and the psychotherapy training institutes in Baden-Württemberg, has been addressing the mental health of young refugees who are seeking protection and asylum in Baden-Württemberg without parents or care. Continue reading: Fearless – Support for young refugees
An award for vivo member Kirsi Peltonen
vivo member Kirsi Peltonen from Finland was awarded the ESTSS Young Minds Award. The award is given by the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies for excellent contributions to the field of trauma research.
We warmly congratulate!
vivo member Kirsi Peltonen from Finland was awarded the ESTSS Young Minds Award. The award is given by the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies for excellent contributions to the field of trauma research.
We warmly congratulate!
vivo in Brazil
Since 2020, vivo international e.V. supports the delivery of Narrative Exposure Therapy in Brazil in collaboration with the University of Konstanz and the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz).
Since 2020, vivo international e.V. supports the delivery of Narrative Exposure Therapy in Brazil in collaboration with the University of Konstanz and the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz).
vivo is 20 years old!
In April 2001, the foundation for vivo was laid in Italy. Congratulations and many thanks to all who have enriched and enabled vivo’s work over the past 20 years!
In April 2001, the foundation for vivo was laid in Italy. Congratulations and many thanks to all who have enriched and enabled vivo’s work over the past 20 years!
The project continues!
The model project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugees enters a new phase.
The model project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugees enters a new phase.
Setting a sign against alcohol abuse
vivo counsellors have been providing trauma-therapy in war-affected communities of Northern Uganda since 2007 mostly for severely traumatised formerly abducted children now grown into young adults with their own families. For a long time vivo counsellors had realised the vast need for also an alcohol intervention, when meeting women and children affected by domestic violence that is often linked to male alcohol consumption.
vivo counsellors have been providing trauma-therapy in war-affected communities of Northern Uganda since 2007 mostly for severely traumatised formerly abducted children now grown into young adults with their own families. For a long time vivo counsellors had realised the vast need for also an alcohol intervention, when meeting women and children affected by domestic violence that is often linked to male alcohol consumption.
Traumatherapy and pregnancy
Stevens, N.R., Miller, M.L., Puetz, A.‐K., Padin, A.C., Adams, N. and Meyer, D.J. (2021)
Psychological Intervention and Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Call to Action.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
Susanne Breinlinger, Ann-Kathrin Pütz, Natalie R. Stevens, Daniela Mier, Inga Schalinski, Michael Odenwald
Narrative Exposure Therapy in challenging cases and conditions.
MALTRATTAMENTO E ABUSO ALL’INFANZIA; 3/2020
Stevens, N.R., Miller, M.L., Puetz, A.‐K., Padin, A.C., Adams, N. and Meyer, D.J. (2021)
Psychological Intervention and Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Call to Action.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
Susanne Breinlinger, Ann-Kathrin Pütz, Natalie R. Stevens, Daniela Mier, Inga Schalinski, Michael Odenwald
Narrative Exposure Therapy in challenging cases and conditions.
MALTRATTAMENTO E ABUSO ALL’INFANZIA; 3/2020
Support for more than 90 women
The project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugee pregnant women and mothers will be successfully completed at the end of April 2021.
Since 2016, vivo has offered comprehensive psychological and trauma therapy support with the help of translators. The project also includes help with referral to psychotherapists in private practice. Professionals such as psychotherapists can take part in training on the topics of recognising traumatisation, dealing with trauma consequences and their effects on the family.
The project to improve psychotherapeutic care for refugee pregnant women and mothers will be successfully completed at the end of April 2021.
Since 2016, vivo has offered comprehensive psychological and trauma therapy support with the help of translators. The project also includes help with referral to psychotherapists in private practice. Professionals such as psychotherapists can take part in training on the topics of recognising traumatisation, dealing with trauma consequences and their effects on the family.
A promising project start
Building on the first 3-year project targeting victims of gender-based violence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the second follow-up project led by the vivo members Anselm Crombach and Amani Chibashimba aims at further reinforcing the local capacities to treat trauma-related mental health disorders.
Building on the first 3-year project targeting victims of gender-based violence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the second follow-up project led by the vivo members Anselm Crombach and Amani Chibashimba aims at further reinforcing the local capacities to treat trauma-related mental health disorders.
Kids grow up
A successful project ends
After a project in 2006, vivo founded a small orphanage in Ethiopia. The children have now become independent young adults and vivo was able to successfully complete the project in 2020.
A successful project ends
After a project in 2006, vivo founded a small orphanage in Ethiopia. The children have now become independent young adults and vivo was able to successfully complete the project in 2020.
Funding for vivo in Burundi
We are pleased to announce that our project “Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents after Sexual Violence” has been selected by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) for funding by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Lesen Sie weiter: Funding for vivo in Burundi
We are pleased to announce that our project “Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents after Sexual Violence” has been selected by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) for funding by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Continue reading: Funding for vivo in Burundi
Mental health of refugees in Germany
Kaltenbach, E., Hermenau, K., Schauer, M., Dohrmann, K., Elbert, T., Schalinski, I. (2020).
Trajectories of posttraumatic stress symptoms during and after Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in refugees.
BMC Psychiatry 20:312
Kaltenbach, E., Hermenau, K., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Schalinski, I. (2018).
Course of Mental Health in Refugees—A One Year Panel Survey.
Front. Psychiatry 9:352
Kaltenbach, E., Hermenau, K., Schauer, M., Dohrmann, K., Elbert, T., Schalinski, I. (2020).
Trajectories of posttraumatic stress symptoms during and after Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in refugees.
BMC Psychiatry 20:312
Kaltenbach, E., Hermenau, K., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Schalinski, I. (2018).
Course of Mental Health in Refugees—A One Year Panel Survey.
Front. Psychiatry 9:352
Prevention of violence in schools
Nkuba M, Hermenau K, Goessmann K, Hecker T (2018).
Reducing violence by teachers using the preventative intervention Interaction Competencies with Children for Teachers (ICC-T): A cluster randomized controlled trial at public secondary schools in Tanzania.
PLoS ONE 13(8): e0201362
Kaltenbach, E., Hermenau, K., Nkuba, M., Goessmann, K. & Hecker, T. (2017).
Improving Interaction Competencies With Children — A Pilot Feasibility Study to Reduce School Corporal Punishment.
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma
Nkuba M, Hermenau K, Goessmann K, Hecker T (2018).
Reducing violence by teachers using the preventative intervention Interaction Competencies with Children for Teachers (ICC-T): A cluster randomized controlled trial at public secondary schools in Tanzania.
PLoS ONE 13(8): e0201362
Kaltenbach, E., Hermenau, K., Nkuba, M., Goessmann, K. & Hecker, T. (2017).
Improving Interaction Competencies With Children — A Pilot Feasibility Study to Reduce School Corporal Punishment.
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma
Findings on Narrative Exposure Therapy
Schneider, A., Pfeiffer, A., Conrad, D., Elbert, T., Kolassa, I.-T., Wilker, S. (2020).
Does cumulative exposure to traumatic stressors predict treatment outcome of community-implemented exposure-based therapy for PTSD?
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11:1, 1789323
Siehl, S., Robjant, K., Crombach, A. (2020).
Systematic review and meta-analyses of the long-term efficacy of narrative exposure therapy for adults, children and perpetrators
Psychotherapy Research
Schneider, A., Pfeiffer, A., Conrad, D., Elbert, T., Kolassa, I.-T., Wilker, S. (2020).
Does cumulative exposure to traumatic stressors predict treatment outcome of community-implemented exposure-based therapy for PTSD?
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 11:1, 1789323
Siehl, S., Robjant, K., Crombach, A. (2020).
Systematic review and meta-analyses of the long-term efficacy of narrative exposure therapy for adults, children and perpetrators
Psychotherapy Research
vivos work during the corona pademic
On our Facebook page we report what the COVID-19 pandemic has changed in different projects.
Read all articles at
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
On our Facebook page we report what the COVID-19 pandemic has changed in different projects.
Read all articles at
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
Support for students in uncertain times
vivo supports a school counselor`s project in Tanzania for many years. After the closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are now opening again.
Lesen Sie weiter: Support for students in uncertain times
vivo supports a school counselor`s project in Tanzania for many years. After the closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are now opening again.
Continue reading: Support for students in uncertain times
PTSD awareness month
June is PTSD awareness month. Since a core topic of vivo international e.V. is the treatment of trauma sequelae, we would like to present to you on facebook this month projects of our association that deal with the treatment of trauma survivors.
Follow us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
June is PTSD awareness month. Since a core topic of vivo international e.V. is the treatment of trauma sequelae, we would like to present to you on facebook this month projects of our association that deal with the treatment of trauma survivors.
Follow us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/vivokonstanz/
News from Gulu
New therapists for Uganda and supoort from Germany
In February 2020 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda planned to recruit four new staff members. Therefore we trained eight candidates in the theoretical background and practical application of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). The training was supported by vivo member Dr. Ulrike Amann on her fourth yearly volunteer work-visit to the Gulu outpatient clinic.
New therapists for Uganda and supoort from Germany
In February 2020 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda planned to recruit four new staff members. Therefore we trained eight candidates in the theoretical background and practical application of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). The training was supported by vivo member Dr. Ulrike Amann on her fourth yearly volunteer work-visit to the Gulu outpatient clinic.
Improved care for burdened refugees
The pilot project for the support of psychologically burdened refugees, has been implemented throughout the district of Constance since the summer of 2017. The aim of the project to improve access to the health system for refugees has been successfully implemented. The project networks, qualifies and supports the existing resources in the district of Constance.
The pilot project for the support of psychologically burdened refugees, has been implemented throughout the district of Constance since the summer of 2017. The aim of the project to improve access to the health system for refugees has been successfully implemented. The project networks, qualifies and supports the existing resources in the district of Constance.
vivo in the DR Congo: a new phase begins
“Strengthening capacities in health care facilities and at the community level to improve the use of trauma therapy treatment services for victims of sexual violence” is the title of the project, which is will start in a few weeks.
Based on the experiences of the project “Training of trauma therapists to provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of sexual violence in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo”, which ended in November 2019, the new project will strengthen existing local structures and expand the activities to new zones. Lesen Sie weiter: vivo in the DR Congo: a new phase begins
“Strengthening capacities in health care facilities and at the community level to improve the use of trauma therapy treatment services for victims of sexual violence” is the title of the project, which is will start in a few weeks.
Based on the experiences of the project “Training of trauma therapists to provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of sexual violence in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo”, which ended in November 2019, the new project will strengthen existing local structures and expand the activities to new zones. Continue reading: vivo in the DR Congo: a new phase begins
Conference in Norway “NET developments and clinical practice”
Organized by Hakon Stenmark (RVTS: Center for Violence, Traumatic Stress and Suicide Prevention Mid Norway) and Per Mossegaard (resource Center for Trauma Support, Sweden) together with vivo international e.V. a 2-days conference entitled „NET- developments and clinical practice“ was held on October 24 and 25 at the Quality Hotel Augustin in Trondheim, Norway. The 74 participants, scientists and practitioners working in mental health institutions in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, USA, and the Democratic Republic of Kongo greatly benefitted from a rich program: Informative and inspiring field reports on the implementation of NET (and its variants) in various settings and contexts, and its efficiency in different populations suffering from the consequences of trauma and violence, were crowned by impressive key notes by Katy Robjant (Freedom from Torture, London, UK) on human trafficking, and Thomas Elbert (vivo international e.V. and University of Konstanz, Germany) on the societal roots and the societal implications of violence and traumatization. Presentations provided an inspiring basis for intense exchange among participants, new contacts and future collaborations. The audience greatly acknowledged the initiative and the arrangement with much applause and appreciation for the organizers.
Organized by Hakon Stenmark (RVTS: Center for Violence, Traumatic Stress and Suicide Prevention Mid Norway) and Per Mossegaard (resource Center for Trauma Support, Sweden) together with vivo international e.V. a 2-days conference entitled „NET- developments and clinical practice“ was held on October 24 and 25 at the Quality Hotel Augustin in Trondheim, Norway. The 74 participants, scientists and practitioners working in mental health institutions in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, USA, and the Democratic Republic of Kongo greatly benefitted from a rich program: Informative and inspiring field reports on the implementation of NET (and its variants) in various settings and contexts, and its efficiency in different populations suffering from the consequences of trauma and violence, were crowned by impressive key notes by Katy Robjant (Freedom from Torture, London, UK) on human trafficking, and Thomas Elbert (vivo international e.V. and University of Konstanz, Germany) on the societal roots and the societal implications of violence and traumatization. Presentations provided an inspiring basis for intense exchange among participants, new contacts and future collaborations. The audience greatly acknowledged the initiative and the arrangement with much applause and appreciation for the organizers.
Trauma expertise for Iran
In April an intensive training workshop on Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) was hold at the University of Isfahan, Iran. The faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Isfahan hosted the NET workshop, which was conducted by vivo member Dr. Mina Orang.
In April an intensive training workshop on Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) was hold at the University of Isfahan, Iran. The faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Isfahan hosted the NET workshop, which was conducted by vivo member Dr. Mina Orang.
New developments in DR Congo
In July 2016, the foundation stone was laid for the 2-year project to provide psychotherapeutic support for traumatised women and training for local trauma therapists in the Kivu region. Since then more than 170 local trauma counsellors have been trained, some of them even as supervisors and coordinators. At the end of the first two years, a further financing phase of 12 months was approved.
The almost three-year project duration was a very intensive time, which not only had to deal with the difficulties of a large project, but also with the partly uncertain security situation in the region, which did not always make it possible to visit all intervention zones regularly. In addition, there were the presidential elections at the end of 2018, which repeatedly led to unrest in the region in the run-up to the elections.
Today, the project is on solid footing. Lesen Sie weiter: New developments in DR Congo
In July 2016, the foundation stone was laid for the 2-year project to provide psychotherapeutic support for traumatised women and training for local trauma therapists in the Kivu region. Since then more than 170 local trauma counsellors have been trained, some of them even as supervisors and coordinators. At the end of the first two years, a further financing phase of 12 months was approved.
The almost three-year project duration was a very intensive time, which not only had to deal with the difficulties of a large project, but also with the partly uncertain security situation in the region, which did not always make it possible to visit all intervention zones regularly. In addition, there were the presidential elections at the end of 2018, which repeatedly led to unrest in the region in the run-up to the elections.
Today, the project is on solid footing. Continue reading: New developments in DR Congo
Project in Burundi receives an award
The vivo members Anselm Crombach and Anja Zeller received a public award for their commitment in Burundi by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) at this year’s „Fair Handeln“ fair on Saturday 27.04.2019 in Stuttgart. For four years now, projects of vivo international e.V. in Burundi have been supported by the SEZ. The aim of these projects has been to ensure basic psychological care for disadvantaged population groups.
The vivo members Anselm Crombach and Anja Zeller received a public award for their commitment in Burundi by the Foundation for Development Cooperation Baden-Württemberg (SEZ) at this year’s „Fair Handeln“ fair on Saturday 27.04.2019 in Stuttgart. For four years now, projects of vivo international e.V. in Burundi have been supported by the SEZ. The aim of these projects has been to ensure basic psychological care for disadvantaged population groups.
Project to support refugee pregnant women and mothers extended until 2021
We are very happy about the further support of our project for traumatized pregnant women and mothers through Aktion Mensch.
In the last three years we have been able to reach more than 50 refugees with our therapeutic offers and train more than 600 full-time and volunteers in lectures and workshops on the subject of traumatisation.
Lesen Sie weiter: Project to support refugee pregnant women and mothers extended until 2021
We are very happy about the further support of our project for traumatized pregnant women and mothers through Aktion Mensch.
In the last three years we have been able to reach more than 50 refugees with our therapeutic offers and train more than 600 full-time and volunteers in lectures and workshops on the subject of traumatisation.
Continue reading: Project to support refugee pregnant women and mothers extended until 2021
News from Gulu
Training of new counsellors in January and February 2019 completed
Our 6 newly employed counsellors are joining our existing team of 15 senior counsellors. They are all lay personnel, having work experience and education only in non-psychological fields – but all completed successfully an intense practical and theoretical training and were chosen among 10 trainees and originally 40 applicants in total. Currently they are joining the senior counsellors in their treatment sessions in order to have a more intense on-the-job learning period before they will soon start their own treatments with highly traumatised clients by war, forceful abductions and torture.
Training of new counsellors in January and February 2019 completed
Our 6 newly employed counsellors are joining our existing team of 15 senior counsellors. They are all lay personnel, having work experience and education only in non-psychological fields – but all completed successfully an intense practical and theoretical training and were chosen among 10 trainees and originally 40 applicants in total. Currently they are joining the senior counsellors in their treatment sessions in order to have a more intense on-the-job learning period before they will soon start their own treatments with highly traumatised clients by war, forceful abductions and torture.
The German Newsletter 2018
Have a look at the annual German vivo newsletter! This year, we look at vivo projects in Germany, Burundi and Tanzania.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Have a look at the annual German vivo newsletter! This year, we look at vivo projects in Germany, Burundi and Tanzania.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Support for refugee pregnant women and young mothers
The time of pregnancy and birth is a vulnerable time for the healthy development of the child as well as the mental and physical health of mother and child. Women who have had to flee from war and crises have an enormous strength to take care of their families under the most difficult conditions. Two and a half years ago vivo international together with Aktion Mensch started a project to support traumatized refugee pregnant women and young mothers.
Lesen Sie weiter: Support for refugee pregnant women and young mothers
The time of pregnancy and birth is a vulnerable time for the healthy development of the child as well as the mental and physical health of mother and child. Women who have had to flee from war and crises have an enormous strength to take care of their families under the most difficult conditions. Two and a half years ago vivo international together with Aktion Mensch started a project to support traumatized refugee pregnant women and young mothers.
Continue reading: Support for refugee pregnant women and young mothers
vivo at the Humanitarian Congress Berlin 2018
This year, the 20th anniversary of the Humanitarian Congress Berlin took place. The Congress is held by Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors without Borders (MSF), Doctors of the World, the German Red Cross and the Berlin Chamber of Physicians and is a platform for international NGOs to discuss the major issues and challenges of humanitarian action. vivo international presented itself as an NGO with an information booth and two talks.
Lesen Sie weiter: vivo at the Humanitarian Congress Berlin 2018
This year, the 20th anniversary of the Humanitarian Congress Berlin took place. The Congress is held by Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors without Borders (MSF), Doctors of the World, the German Red Cross and the Berlin Chamber of Physicians and is a platform for international NGOs to discuss the major issues and challenges of humanitarian action. vivo international presented itself as an NGO with an information booth and two talks.
Continue reading: vivo at the Humanitarian Congress Berlin 2018
Improving care in orphanages
Hecker, T., Hermenau, K. (2018).
Improving Care Quality and Preventing Maltreatment in Institutional Care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
ISTSS Stress Points.
Hecker, T., Hermenau, K. (2018).
Improving Care Quality and Preventing Maltreatment in Institutional Care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
ISTSS Stress Points.
NET for survivors of a natural disaster in Burundi
Crombach, A., Siehl, S. (2018).
Impact and cultural acceptance of the narrative exposure therapy in the aftermath of a natural disaster in Burundi.
BMC Psychiatry, 18:233.
Crombach, A., Siehl, S. (2018).
Impact and cultural acceptance of the narrative exposure therapy in the aftermath of a natural disaster in Burundi.
BMC Psychiatry, 18:233.
Support for the psychotrauma center
vivo, together with its local partner organisation “Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi” (PSF), plans to establish the psychotraumatology centre “Kira Agahinda” in Bujumbura (Burundi). In the past years, the team of the Psychotrauma Centre has worked mainly with street children and their families (see this link for more details). In order for the centre to manage in the long term, we need your support via crowdfunding!
vivo, together with its local partner organisation “Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi” (PSF), plans to establish the psychotraumatology centre “Kira Agahinda” in Bujumbura (Burundi). In the past years, the team of the Psychotrauma Centre has worked mainly with street children and their families (see this link for more details). In order for the centre to manage in the long term, we need your support via crowdfunding!
Goma: Successful project completion
In July 2016, the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en sante mentale des survivants des VSBG” was launched, a two-year project in the regions of North and South Kivu. It is part of a major project of the Fonds Social de la Republique Democratique de Congo (FSDRC) with the aim of establishing sustainable care structures for victims of sexual violence with NET training and supervision in order to improve the situation of those affected in the long term.
Lesen Sie weiter: Goma: Successful project completion
In July 2016, the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en sante mentale des survivants des VSBG” was launched, a two-year project in the regions of North and South Kivu. It is part of a major project of the Fonds Social de la Republique Democratique de Congo (FSDRC) with the aim of establishing sustainable care structures for victims of sexual violence with NET training and supervision in order to improve the situation of those affected in the long term.
Continue reading: Goma: Successful project completion
Support for refugees in Bielefeld
vivo supports the refugee outpatient clinic of the University Bielefeld
vivo and the research group for Clinical Psychology at the University of Bielefeld cooperate closely. Currently several projects are conducted with the aim to offer psychological support for affected refugees and asylum seekers.
vivo supports the refugee outpatient clinic of the University Bielefeld
vivo and the research group for Clinical Psychology at the University of Bielefeld cooperate closely. Currently several projects are conducted with the aim to offer psychological support for affected refugees and asylum seekers.
The new German newsletter has arrived
We would like to present our annual German vivo newsletter. This year, we look at the development of vivo projects in Germany, Northern Iraq and Uganda.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
We would like to present our annual German vivo newsletter. This year, we look at the development of vivo projects in Germany, Northern Iraq and Uganda.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Exchange workshop in Rwanda
In September 2017 vivo was invited to participate in a one-week exchange workshop in Huye, Rwanda between different organisations working with persons affected by violence in (post-)conflict region of Eastern Africa, specifically in Northern Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DRCongo.
In September 2017 vivo was invited to participate in a one-week exchange workshop in Huye, Rwanda between different organisations working with persons affected by violence in (post-)conflict region of Eastern Africa, specifically in Northern Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern DRCongo.
vivo board member Heike Riedke reports experiences in DRC
On Wednesday, June 28th 2017, Heike Riedke was invited by the German Central Office for Combating War Crimes and Other Offenses according to the Code of Crimes against International Law to a course on “International Criminal Law” to share her experiences made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The course, which lasted several days, focused on one day on the topic of “Psychological characteristics for interviewing victims”. Based on the yearlong work experiences that vivo International has in DRC, especially in the treatment of victims of sexual violence in a civilian as well as in the war context, Heike Riedke described her experiences that she had made during her many visits and was therefore well prepared to answer the subsequent questions of the 30 participants.
On Wednesday, June 28th 2017, Heike Riedke was invited by the German Central Office for Combating War Crimes and Other Offenses according to the Code of Crimes against International Law to a course on “International Criminal Law” to share her experiences made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The course, which lasted several days, focused on one day on the topic of “Psychological characteristics for interviewing victims”. Based on the yearlong work experiences that vivo International has in DRC, especially in the treatment of victims of sexual violence in a civilian as well as in the war context, Heike Riedke described her experiences that she had made during her many visits and was therefore well prepared to answer the subsequent questions of the 30 participants.
10-year-anniversary of vivo NET counsellors in Northern Uganda
It is an overused expression, but it really feels like “time is flying” – yes, it has been already 10 years that vivo international trained their first local lay personnel in Northern Uganda to provide NET treatment for traumatised survivors of violence and torture.
So this year we are celebrating the 10-year-anniversary of 7 senior counsellors working for vivo international in Northern Uganda.
Lesen Sie weiter: 10-year-anniversary of vivo NET counsellors in Northern Uganda
It is an overused expression, but it really feels like “time is flying” – yes, it has been already 10 years that vivo international trained their first local lay personnel in Northern Uganda to provide NET treatment for traumatised survivors of violence and torture.
So this year we are celebrating the 10-year-anniversary of 7 senior counsellors working for vivo international in Northern Uganda.
Continue reading: 10-year-anniversary of vivo NET counsellors in Northern Uganda
NET training course in Bukavu, DRC
In April 2017, 27 participants were trained in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in Bukavu in the Eastern DR Congo. This training course is part of the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG”.
In April 2017, 27 participants were trained in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) in Bukavu in the Eastern DR Congo. This training course is part of the project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG”.
Reuniting Burundian street children and their families
Since the beginning of 2016 a lot happened in Burundi. During the past year, the main work at our Centre for Psychotraumatology, “Kira Agahinda”, concerned the implementation of a project with street children of vivo international and Burundikids e.V.in collaboration with the local NGO Foundation Stamm. The project was mainly funded by the Foundation for Collaborative Development of Baden-Württemberg (SEZ). Furthermore, the successful implementation of the project depended largely on the support through crowdfunding. The main focus of the project was the reintegration of 40 children and youths by implementing different stages as part of the reintegration process.
Lesen Sie weiter: Reuniting Burundian street children and their families
Since the beginning of 2016 a lot happened in Burundi. During the past year, the main work at our Centre for Psychotraumatology, “Kira Agahinda”, concerned the implementation of a project with street children of vivo international and Burundikids e.V.in collaboration with the local NGO Foundation Stamm. The project was mainly funded by the Foundation for Collaborative Development of Baden-Württemberg (SEZ). Furthermore, the successful implementation of the project depended largely on the support through crowdfunding. The main focus of the project was the reintegration of 40 children and youths by implementing different stages as part of the reintegration process.
Continue reading: Reuniting Burundian street children and their families
Impressions from vivo’s outpatient clinic in Northern Uganda
In 2017 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda, is still successful and impressing us with their work.
Lesen Sie weiter: Impressions from vivo’s outpatient clinic in Northern Uganda
In 2017 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda, is still successful and impressing us with their work.
Continue reading: Impressions from vivo’s outpatient clinic in Northern Uganda
vivo at the Global Mental Health Conference
King’s Health Partners are hosting a 2-day conference on Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in London, UK on 5th and 6th June 2017. With new approaches to solving the mental health care challenges of our local communities, this conference will showcase exceptional psychosocial approaches to mental health problems which have been developed across the world at individual, community and global levels.
We are happy to announce that Amani Chibashima Christian and Dr. Katy Robjant will speak for vivo international about using Narrative Exposure Therapy in the treatment of PTSD in victims of SGBV and former child soldiers in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For more information, please follow this link.
King’s Health Partners are hosting a 2-day conference on Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in London, UK on 5th and 6th June 2017. With new approaches to solving the mental health care challenges of our local communities, this conference will showcase exceptional psychosocial approaches to mental health problems which have been developed across the world at individual, community and global levels.
We are happy to announce that Amani Chibashima Christian and Dr. Katy Robjant will speak for vivo international about using Narrative Exposure Therapy in the treatment of PTSD in victims of SGBV and former child soldiers in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For more information, please follow this link.
A big step: Goma in the DR Congo becomes permanent project location
The project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG” is a two-year project in the region of North and South Kivu, which is part of a four-year large-scale project. The aim of the intervention is to train psychologists in narrative exposure therapy (NET) and to build a sustainable structure to treat victims of sexual gender based violence and to strengthen the health system of the region. This is vivo’s greatest project so far in this region.
Lesen Sie weiter: A big step: Goma in the DR Congo becomes permanent project location
The project “Assurer la formation des formateurs sur l’approche NET dans la prise en charge en santé mentale des surviviants des VSBG” is a two-year project in the region of North and South Kivu, which is part of a four-year large-scale project. The aim of the intervention is to train psychologists in narrative exposure therapy (NET) and to build a sustainable structure to treat victims of sexual gender based violence and to strengthen the health system of the region. This is vivo’s greatest project so far in this region.
Continue reading: A big step: Goma in the DR Congo becomes permanent project location
vivo-member receives an award
During the annual meeting 2017 in Zurich of the German speaking society for psychotraumatology (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für Psychotraumatologie – DeGPT) vivo-member Dr Tobias Hecker received an award for his work in Tanzania „Consequences and prevention of violence in education: Contributing to a childhood free of violence for vulnerable children in low-income countries – the example of Tanzania”. Congratulations!
During the annual meeting 2017 in Zurich of the German speaking society for psychotraumatology (Deutschsprachige Gesellschaft für Psychotraumatologie – DeGPT) vivo-member Dr Tobias Hecker received an award for his work in Tanzania „Consequences and prevention of violence in education: Contributing to a childhood free of violence for vulnerable children in low-income countries – the example of Tanzania”. Congratulations!
The new German newsletter arrived!
We would like to present our annual German vivo newsletter. This year, we look at the development of vivo projects over the years in Northern Uganda, DR Congo and Ethiopia.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
We would like to present our annual German vivo newsletter. This year, we look at the development of vivo projects over the years in Northern Uganda, DR Congo and Ethiopia.
You can access the newsletter through this link.
Honorary awards for two vivo-members
Two vivo founding members Prof. Dr. Thomas Elbert and Dr. Maggie Schauer received the Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Prize for their outstanding research on the consequences of traumatic experiences. The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the “Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft” give the Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Prize to researchers who “have made a significant scientific contribution to tackling the great challenges facing society today”.
Many congratulations to both!
Two vivo founding members Prof. Dr. Thomas Elbert and Dr. Maggie Schauer received the Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Prize for their outstanding research on the consequences of traumatic experiences. The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the “Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft” give the Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Prize to researchers who “have made a significant scientific contribution to tackling the great challenges facing society today”.
Many congratulations to both!
Therapy for traumatized refugees
German article on the dissemination of psychotherapy modules for traumatized refugees. Experience gained from trauma work in crisis and conflict regions.
Elbert, T., Wilker, S., Schauer, M., Neuner, F. (2016)
Dissemination psychotherapeutischer Module für traumatisierte Geflüchtete. Erkenntnisse aus der Traumaarbeit in Krisen- und Kriegsregionen.
Nervenarzt.
German article on the dissemination of psychotherapy modules for traumatized refugees. Experience gained from trauma work in crisis and conflict regions.
Elbert, T., Wilker, S., Schauer, M., Neuner, F. (2016)
Dissemination psychotherapeutischer Module für traumatisierte Geflüchtete. Erkenntnisse aus der Traumaarbeit in Krisen- und Kriegsregionen.
Nervenarzt.
Posttraumatic stress in war-affected youth
Winkler, N., Ruf-Leuschner, M., Ertl, V., Pfeiffer, A., Schalinski, I., Ovuga, E., Neuner, F., Elbert, T. (2015).
From war to classroom: PTSD and depression in formerly abducted youth in Uganda.
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6, 2.
Winkler, N., Ruf-Leuschner, M., Ertl, V., Pfeiffer, A., Schalinski, I., Ovuga, E., Neuner, F., Elbert, T. (2015).
From war to classroom: PTSD and depression in formerly abducted youth in Uganda.
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6, 2.
Support for pregnant and traumatised refugee women
Currently, the district of Konstanz receives more traumatised refugee women. Many of these women are pregnant or young mothers and are severely burdened. The physical as well as the psychological condition of the pregnant women is of high importance for the future physical and psychological health of mothers and children. Furthermore, mothers who experienced stress and violence often show limited parental skills.
The project is supported by the organisation „Aktion Mensch“ and aims to diagnose and treat psychological problems of pregnant or mothering refugee women. First, the women participate in psycho-diagnostic interviews at the centre of competence psychotraumatology of the University of Kontanz and vivo international. Subsequently, they can receive individual psychological counselling, treatment and referral to the support network „Frühe Hilfen“ to prevent further stress and attachment problems.
Additionally, courses and lectures for social workers, volunteers, and professionals like doctors and midwives are held to share the developed treatment approaches.
Currently, the district of Konstanz receives more traumatised refugee women. Many of these women are pregnant or young mothers and are severely burdened. The physical as well as the psychological condition of the pregnant women is of high importance for the future physical and psychological health of mothers and children. Furthermore, mothers who experienced stress and violence often show limited parental skills.
The project is supported by the organisation „Aktion Mensch“ and aims to diagnose and treat psychological problems of pregnant or mothering refugee women. First, the women participate in psycho-diagnostic interviews at the centre of competence psychotraumatology of the University of Kontanz and vivo international. Subsequently, they can receive individual psychological counselling, treatment and referral to the support network „Frühe Hilfen“ to prevent further stress and attachment problems.
Additionally, courses and lectures for social workers, volunteers, and professionals like doctors and midwives are held to share the developed treatment approaches.
Narrative Exposure Therapy for Syria
The ongoing conflict in Syria has caused the death of thousands of people and the forced displacement of millions, both within and outside the country. Nevertheless the people who remain in Syria continue to experience atrocities of war and are at high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder. The mental health workers in Syria are also in urgent need for guidance and support that could facilitate them to treat effectively the growing number of traumatized people. Lesen Sie weiter: Narrative Exposure Therapy for Syria
The ongoing conflict in Syria has caused the death of thousands of people and the forced displacement of millions, both within and outside the country. Nevertheless the people who remain in Syria continue to experience atrocities of war and are at high risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder. The mental health workers in Syria are also in urgent need for guidance and support that could facilitate them to treat effectively the growing number of traumatized people. Continue reading: Narrative Exposure Therapy for Syria
The Nairobi Position Statement on Refugee and IDP Mental Health Care
This statement is the product of a first workshop initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research that brought together a group of established and young researchers, clinicians and NGOs discussing ways to integrate the mental health care of displaced people into African national mental health care systems. In this paper, the group called for a better cooperation between national mental health care systems and international organizations supporting the mental health of displaced people. They criticized the situation that in many countries parallel mental health care systems are established and that both systems suffered from lack of resources. The group recommended that national mental health systems should be build up and further developed in the context of serving displaced peoples’ mental health needs. They identified several obstacles, e.g. the unwillingness of governments to prioritize mental health care and the challenge for NGOs to cooperate with government structures.
For the Nairobi Position Statement on Refugee and IDP Mental Health Care please follow this link.
This statement is the product of a first workshop initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research that brought together a group of established and young researchers, clinicians and NGOs discussing ways to integrate the mental health care of displaced people into African national mental health care systems. In this paper, the group called for a better cooperation between national mental health care systems and international organizations supporting the mental health of displaced people. They criticized the situation that in many countries parallel mental health care systems are established and that both systems suffered from lack of resources. The group recommended that national mental health systems should be build up and further developed in the context of serving displaced peoples’ mental health needs. They identified several obstacles, e.g. the unwillingness of governments to prioritize mental health care and the challenge for NGOs to cooperate with government structures.
For the Nairobi Position Statement on Refugee and IDP Mental Health Care please follow this link.
26. June 2016 – International day in support of victims of torture
Exactly 35 years ago the general assembly of the United Nations established the first human rights fund, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). Nowadays the fund supports more than 170 projects every year in 83 countries and enables the rehabilitation of many children and adults, who were victims of torture.
Two of these projects are realised by vivo international, one in Uganda and one in Germany.
We thank the UNVFVT for the great support and the effort to fight torture as the severest and most prevalent violation of human rights.
For more information on the international day please follow this link.
On the occasion of the 35. anniversary of the “UN fund for victims of torture” a brochure was published with stories of victims of torture on their journey to healing and regaining their dignity. vivo contributed to this brochure. Please read more following this link.
Exactly 35 years ago the general assembly of the United Nations established the first human rights fund, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). Nowadays the fund supports more than 170 projects every year in 83 countries and enables the rehabilitation of many children and adults, who were victims of torture.
Two of these projects are realised by vivo international, one in Uganda and one in Germany.
We thank the UNVFVT for the great support and the effort to fight torture as the severest and most prevalent violation of human rights.
For more information on the international day please follow this link.
On the occasion of the 35. anniversary of the “UN fund for victims of torture” a brochure was published with stories of victims of torture on their journey to healing and regaining their dignity. vivo contributed to this brochure. Please read more following this link.
News from the center of psychotraumatology
The fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi is very successful. vivo member Anselm Crombach and his team visited the Burundian colleagues and the center of psychotraumatology in March 2016.
Lesen Sie weiter: News from the center of psychotraumatology
The fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi is very successful. vivo member Anselm Crombach and his team visited the Burundian colleagues and the center of psychotraumatology in March 2016.
Continue reading: News from the center of psychotraumatology
vivo members receive awards
On the occasion of the 34. Annual Symposium of the Department of Clinical Psychology of the German Society for Psychology, hosted by the Biefeld University in May 2016, two vivo members received two of three given awards.
Regina Saile received the Young Academic Award for her dissertation-related publication “Children of the post-war years: A two-generational multi-level risk assessment of child psychopathology in northern Uganda“ (published in Development and Psychopathology, 2015).
Thomas Elbert received a Mentor Award as one of the two best supervisors of PhD theses, awarded by the Young Members of the society based on votings of the doctoral students.
Congratulations to both!
On the occasion of the 34. Annual Symposium of the Department of Clinical Psychology of the German Society for Psychology, hosted by the Biefeld University in May 2016, two vivo members received two of three given awards.
Regina Saile received the Young Academic Award for her dissertation-related publication “Children of the post-war years: A two-generational multi-level risk assessment of child psychopathology in northern Uganda“ (published in Development and Psychopathology, 2015).
Thomas Elbert received a Mentor Award as one of the two best supervisors of PhD theses, awarded by the Young Members of the society based on votings of the doctoral students.
Congratulations to both!
Presenting vivo’s work at the annual meeting of the DeGPT
Several vivo-members presented vivo’s work on the 18. annual meeting of the german speaking society for psychotraumatology (DeGPT) from 10. to 12. March 2016.
Dr. Maggie Schauer promotes in her lecture “Mental health first!” a paradigm shift in the care systems for refugees in Germany. Dr. Thomas Elbert presented the trauma-work with street children, gangs, former child soldiers and unaccompanied minor refugees. Dr. Tobias Hecker talked in two symposia about trauma and memory as well as trauma and violence.
Several vivo-members presented vivo’s work on the 18. annual meeting of the german speaking society for psychotraumatology (DeGPT) from 10. to 12. March 2016.
Dr. Maggie Schauer promotes in her lecture “Mental health first!” a paradigm shift in the care systems for refugees in Germany. Dr. Thomas Elbert presented the trauma-work with street children, gangs, former child soldiers and unaccompanied minor refugees. Dr. Tobias Hecker talked in two symposia about trauma and memory as well as trauma and violence.
German-African research workshop
for innovation in African health care systems
In February, the first German-African research workshop for innovation in African health care systems took place in Nairobi.
The workshop received high interest. In total, 54 participants and representatives from seven national and six international societies came together including African and German clinicians, scientists, representatives from universities and NGOs, well established researchers and talented young academics who could be supported with travel grants.
In 27 presentations and three round table discussions epidemiological aspects of mental health care for refugees as well as current challenges in health care systems were discussed in order to find new methods for innovation in health care and treatment.
The participants compiled the Nairobi Position Statement on Refugee and IDP Mental Health Care, which provides recommendations for further steps for improving mental health care in African countries.
for innovation in African health care systems
In February, the first German-African research workshop for innovation in African health care systems took place in Nairobi.
The workshop received high interest. In total, 54 participants and representatives from seven national and six international societies came together including African and German clinicians, scientists, representatives from universities and NGOs, well established researchers and talented young academics who could be supported with travel grants.
In 27 presentations and three round table discussions epidemiological aspects of mental health care for refugees as well as current challenges in health care systems were discussed in order to find new methods for innovation in health care and treatment.
The participants compiled the Nairobi Position Statement on Refugee and IDP Mental Health Care, which provides recommendations for further steps for improving mental health care in African countries.
The Mass Refugee Movement – Better Reframed as Mental Health Crisis?
Dr Maggie Schauer’s thoughts on the current refugee movement, the causes of migration and flight as well as its consequences on mental health published in the ISTSS stress points, a quarterly news letter for ISTSS members. To read the article, please follow this link.
Dr Maggie Schauer’s thoughts on the current refugee movement, the causes of migration and flight as well as its consequences on mental health published in the ISTSS stress points, a quarterly news letter for ISTSS members. To read the article, please follow this link.
Happy birthday vivo!
Fifteen years ago on April 4th vivo was founded in Italy.
Happy birthday to all vivos around the world!
Fifteen years ago on April 4th vivo was founded in Italy.
Happy birthday to all vivos around the world!
Expressing the inexpressible
According to Amnesty International, torture is still practised in over 140 countries – with purported aims ranging from the extortion of confessions to attempts at demonstrating the alleged successes of criminal and political investigations. Despite these claims, however, the actual goal of the torturers is often the destruction of the victim’s personality and identity.
According to Amnesty International, torture is still practised in over 140 countries – with purported aims ranging from the extortion of confessions to attempts at demonstrating the alleged successes of criminal and political investigations. Despite these claims, however, the actual goal of the torturers is often the destruction of the victim’s personality and identity.
Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 3rd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders. The final and largest part of the program consisted of a three-week workshop regarding the therapy of post traumatic stress disorders and aggression.
Lesen Sie weiter: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 3rd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders. The final and largest part of the program consisted of a three-week workshop regarding the therapy of post traumatic stress disorders and aggression.
Continue reading: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 3rd training
First NET training in Tehran, Iran
In September 2015, the first NET training in Tehran, Iran took place. vivo experts organized and conducted the 3-day workshop in cooperation with the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health (CASMH)” located in Tehran and the “State Welfare Organization of Iran”, which is part of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare.
More than 80 students, psychologists and psychotherapists applied for our workshop and finally 49 Iranian women and men from different cities of Iran (Gilan, Shiraz, Ahvaz and Kurdistan) were admitted to the training. All participants were motivated, open and eager to learn how NET works and in which way they could integrate it into their professional life. The participants as well as representatives of the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health” and “the State Welfare Organisation” highly appreciated the workshop and proposed to further cooperate and to conduct an advanced NET training in the near future.
In September 2015, the first NET training in Tehran, Iran took place. vivo experts organized and conducted the 3-day workshop in cooperation with the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health (CASMH)” located in Tehran and the “State Welfare Organization of Iran”, which is part of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare.
More than 80 students, psychologists and psychotherapists applied for our workshop and finally 49 Iranian women and men from different cities of Iran (Gilan, Shiraz, Ahvaz and Kurdistan) were admitted to the training. All participants were motivated, open and eager to learn how NET works and in which way they could integrate it into their professional life. The participants as well as representatives of the “Center for Advance Studies in Mental Health” and “the State Welfare Organisation” highly appreciated the workshop and proposed to further cooperate and to conduct an advanced NET training in the near future.
Psychological needs of refugees and internally displaced people
German-African research workshop for innovation in African health care systems
Nairobi, February 24-26, 2016
In cooperation with vivo international this research workshop will take place in Kenya this month. With this research workshop we want to contribute to build up networks between Germany and African countries in order to further develop a research field that contributes to improve the lives of displaced people. This workshop is addressed to researchers, NGOs as well as national and international decision makers and organizations.
For further information, please follow this link to the workshop’s website.
German-African research workshop for innovation in African health care systems
Nairobi, February 24-26, 2016
In cooperation with vivo international this research workshop will take place in Kenya this month. With this research workshop we want to contribute to build up networks between Germany and African countries in order to further develop a research field that contributes to improve the lives of displaced people. This workshop is addressed to researchers, NGOs as well as national and international decision makers and organizations.
For further information, please follow this link to the workshop’s website.