In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders.
Lesen Sie weiter: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 1st and 2nd training
Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 1st and 2nd training
In a three-step program, Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers are trained in the assessment and therapy of trauma spectrum disorders.
Continue reading: Reinforcement of psychological competencies in Rwanda, 1st and 2nd training
NET in the context of demobilisation
Since 2011 vivo international has been working on behalf of the World Bank Group with the Peace Mission of the United Nations in the eastern DR Congo (MONUSCO). The goal of this collaboration has been to provide psychological support to former combatants in order to support demobilization and reintegration efforts in the region.
Lesen Sie weiter: NET in the context of demobilisation
Since 2011 vivo international has been working on behalf of the World Bank Group with the Peace Mission of the United Nations in the eastern DR Congo (MONUSCO). The goal of this collaboration has been to provide psychological support to former combatants in order to support demobilization and reintegration efforts in the region.
Continue reading: NET in the context of demobilisation
Fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi
vivo international and Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi aim to establish a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi to provide psychological assistance to socio-economically underprivileged individuals affected by trauma.
with vivo-member Dr. Anselm Crombach
Lesen Sie weiter: Fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi
vivo international and Psychologues sans Frontières Burundi aim to establish a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi to provide psychological assistance to socio-economically underprivileged individuals affected by trauma.
with vivo-member Dr. Anselm Crombach
Continue reading: Fundraising for a center of psychotraumatology in Burundi
Strengthening psychological competencies in Rwanda
vivo international educates Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers in the assessment and therapy of trauma-spectrum disorders during a three-stage training program.
Lesen Sie weiter: Strengthening psychological competencies in Rwanda
vivo international educates Rwandan psychologists, nurses and social workers in the assessment and therapy of trauma-spectrum disorders during a three-stage training program.
Continue reading: Strengthening psychological competencies in Rwanda
Building trauma expertise for Cyprus
A sorely afflicted island takes care of refugees.
vivo-members offered the first NET-training for Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean region and layed the foundation for future collaborative projects.
Lesen Sie weiter: Building trauma expertise for Cyprus
A sorely afflicted island takes care of refugees.
vivo-members offered the first NET-training for Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean region and layed the foundation for future collaborative projects.
Continue reading: Building trauma expertise for Cyprus
Support for the school counsellor
Since 2012 vivo international supports the position of the school counsellor at a primary school with many orphans in Iringa. In order to support the school counsellor Hilder additionally and provide her with new materials, vivo (in cooperation with the primary school) found an intern for Hilder. The psychology student Sophia Backhaus, who already had some experience in school counselling, traveled to Tanzania to support Hilder in her work.
Since 2012 vivo international supports the position of the school counsellor at a primary school with many orphans in Iringa. In order to support the school counsellor Hilder additionally and provide her with new materials, vivo (in cooperation with the primary school) found an intern for Hilder. The psychology student Sophia Backhaus, who already had some experience in school counselling, traveled to Tanzania to support Hilder in her work.
NET down under
In 2015 Narrative Exposure Therapy has once again reached Australia.
In 2015 Narrative Exposure Therapy has once again reached Australia.
News from the orphans in Ethiopia
During a business trip in March 2015 to southwestern Ethiopia, Heike Riedke, treasurer of vivo international paid a visit to the orphans in Awassa.
Some of the orphans had already finished their college’ degrees, some of them are still in school. Heike Riedke had the opportunity to meet most of the orphans in person and to talk to them.
During a business trip in March 2015 to southwestern Ethiopia, Heike Riedke, treasurer of vivo international paid a visit to the orphans in Awassa.
Some of the orphans had already finished their college’ degrees, some of them are still in school. Heike Riedke had the opportunity to meet most of the orphans in person and to talk to them.
Family violence and trauma
Catani, C., Sossalla, I. (2015).
Child abuse predicts adult PTSD symptoms among individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.
Frontiers in Psychology, 6:1600.
Crombach, A., Bambonyé, M. (2015).
Intergenerational violence in Burundi: Experienced childhood maltreatment increases the risk of abusive child rearing and intimate partner violence.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 6:26995.
Saile, R., Ertl, V., Neuner, F., Catani, C. (2015).
Children of the postwar years: A two-generational multilevel risk assessment of child psychopathology in northern Uganda.
Development and Psychopathology.
Sriskandarajah, V., Neuner, F., Catani, C. (2015).
Predictors of Violence Against Children in Tamil Families in Northern Sri Lanka.
Social Science and Medicine, 146:257-265.
Catani, C., Sossalla, I. (2015).
Child abuse predicts adult PTSD symptoms among individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.
Frontiers in Psychology, 6:1600.
Crombach, A., Bambonyé, M. (2015).
Intergenerational violence in Burundi: Experienced childhood maltreatment increases the risk of abusive child rearing and intimate partner violence.
European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 6:26995.
Saile, R., Ertl, V., Neuner, F., Catani, C. (2015).
Children of the postwar years: A two-generational multilevel risk assessment of child psychopathology in northern Uganda.
Development and Psychopathology.
Sriskandarajah, V., Neuner, F., Catani, C. (2015).
Predictors of Violence Against Children in Tamil Families in Northern Sri Lanka.
Social Science and Medicine, 146:257-265.
Assembly on mental health in Gulu
10 Years Anniversary of vivo in Northern Uganda!
vivo international is looking back on 10 years of providing and improving mental health services in Northern Uganda. We are using this occasion to host a general assembly on mental health in Gulu on the 20th of October 2015. We will discuss and share accomplishments, challenges and visions with our cooperating partners, practitioners, researchers and scholars. Please click here for the invitation details.
10 Years Anniversary of vivo in Northern Uganda!
vivo international is looking back on 10 years of providing and improving mental health services in Northern Uganda. We are using this occasion to host a general assembly on mental health in Gulu on the 20th of October 2015. We will discuss and share accomplishments, challenges and visions with our cooperating partners, practitioners, researchers and scholars. Please click here for the invitation details.
Interventions focusing on caregiving
Hermenau, K., Kaltenbach, E., Mkinga, G., & Hecker, T. (2015).
Improving care quality and preventing maltreatment in institutional care – a feasibility study with caregivers.
Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 937.
Wieling, E., Mehus, C., Möllerherm, J., Neuner, F., Laura, A., Catani, C.(2015).
Assessing the Feasibility of Providing a Parenting Intervention for War-Affected Families in Northern Uganda.
Fam Community Health, 38(3), pp. 253–268.
Hermenau, K., Kaltenbach, E., Mkinga, G., & Hecker, T. (2015).
Improving care quality and preventing maltreatment in institutional care – a feasibility study with caregivers.
Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 937.
Wieling, E., Mehus, C., Möllerherm, J., Neuner, F., Laura, A., Catani, C.(2015).
Assessing the Feasibility of Providing a Parenting Intervention for War-Affected Families in Northern Uganda.
Fam Community Health, 38(3), pp. 253–268.
NET with traumatised offenders
Crombach, C., Elbert, T.(2015).
Controlling Offensive Behavior Using Narrative Exposure Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Former Street Children.
Clinical Psychological Science, 3(2), 270-282
Hecker, T., Hermenau, K., Crombach, A., & Elbert, T. (2015).
Treating traumatized offenders and veterans by means of narrative exposure therapy.
Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 80.
Hermenau K, Hecker T, Schaal S, Mädl A, Elbert T (2013).
Addressing posttraumatic stress and aggression by means of Narrative Exposure: a randomized controlled trial with Ex-Combatants in the Eastern DRC.
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 22:8, 916-934.
Köbach, A., Schaal, S., Hecker, T., Elbert, T. (2015).
Psychotherapeutic Intervention in the Demobilization Process: Addressing Combat- related Mental Injuries with Narrative Exposure in a First and Second Dissemination Stage.
Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.
Crombach, C., Elbert, T.(2015).
Controlling Offensive Behavior Using Narrative Exposure Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Former Street Children.
Clinical Psychological Science, 3(2), 270-282
Hecker, T., Hermenau, K., Crombach, A., & Elbert, T. (2015).
Treating traumatized offenders and veterans by means of narrative exposure therapy.
Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 80.
Hermenau K, Hecker T, Schaal S, Mädl A, Elbert T (2013).
Addressing posttraumatic stress and aggression by means of Narrative Exposure: a randomized controlled trial with Ex-Combatants in the Eastern DRC.
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 22:8, 916-934.
Köbach, A., Schaal, S., Hecker, T., Elbert, T. (2015).
Psychotherapeutic Intervention in the Demobilization Process: Addressing Combat- related Mental Injuries with Narrative Exposure in a First and Second Dissemination Stage.
Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.
Recent studies about NET
Ertl, V., Pfeiffer, A., Schauer, E., Elbert T, Neuner, F. (2011).
Community-implemented trauma therapy for former child soldiers in Northern Uganda: a randomized controlled trial.
JAMA, 306(5), 503-12.
Jacob, N., Neuner, F., Mädl, A., Schaal, S., & Elbert, T. (2014).
Dissemination of psychotherapy for trauma-spectrum disorders in resource-poor countries: a randomized controlled trial in Rwanda.
Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics.
Pabst, A., Schauer, M., Bernhardt, K., Ruf, M., Goder, R., Rosentraeger, R., Elbert, T., Aldenhoff, J. & Seeck-Hirschner, M. (2012).
Treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder using Narrative Exposure Therapy: a feasibility study.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 81, 61-63.
Robjant, K. & Fazel, M. (2010).
The emerging evidence for Narrative Exposure Therapy: a review.
Clin Psychol Reviews, 30, 8,1030-9.
Stenmark, H., Catani, C., Neuner, F., Elbert, T., & Holen, A. (2013).
Treating PTSD in refugees and asylum seekers within the general health care system. A randomized controlled multicenter study.
Behaviour research and therapy, Vol 51(10), 641-647.
Ertl, V., Pfeiffer, A., Schauer, E., Elbert T, Neuner, F. (2011).
Community-implemented trauma therapy for former child soldiers in Northern Uganda: a randomized controlled trial.
JAMA, 306(5), 503-12.
Jacob, N., Neuner, F., Mädl, A., Schaal, S., & Elbert, T. (2014).
Dissemination of psychotherapy for trauma-spectrum disorders in resource-poor countries: a randomized controlled trial in Rwanda.
Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics.
Pabst, A., Schauer, M., Bernhardt, K., Ruf, M., Goder, R., Rosentraeger, R., Elbert, T., Aldenhoff, J. & Seeck-Hirschner, M. (2012).
Treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder using Narrative Exposure Therapy: a feasibility study.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 81, 61-63.
Robjant, K. & Fazel, M. (2010).
The emerging evidence for Narrative Exposure Therapy: a review.
Clin Psychol Reviews, 30, 8,1030-9.
Stenmark, H., Catani, C., Neuner, F., Elbert, T., & Holen, A. (2013).
Treating PTSD in refugees and asylum seekers within the general health care system. A randomized controlled multicenter study.
Behaviour research and therapy, Vol 51(10), 641-647.
Aid for refugees at Lesbos
Two vivo members from Norway, Merethe Hellen and Hakon Stenmark, took part in a mission to the greek island Lesbos to investigate the conditions of refugees arriving at the island. Whilst larger aid agencies provided help in the refugee camps in the largest city, Mytilini, there was no support for the arriving refugees on the rest of the island.
Two vivo members from Norway, Merethe Hellen and Hakon Stenmark, took part in a mission to the greek island Lesbos to investigate the conditions of refugees arriving at the island. Whilst larger aid agencies provided help in the refugee camps in the largest city, Mytilini, there was no support for the arriving refugees on the rest of the island.
vivo starts in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
In 2015 vivo international started working in Côte d’Ivoire. After years of heavy political crisis most people in the country enjoy once more a relatively calm life. But – as in so many countries around the globe – sexual violence against children and women continues to be rampant. The NGO SOS Violence Sexuelle supports victims of this violence in one of Abidjan’s most diadvantaged districts. vivo international has greatly enhanced the expertise of SOS’s highly motivated employees by conducting a training for several weeks.
Lesen Sie weiter: vivo starts in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
In 2015 vivo international started working in Côte d’Ivoire. After years of heavy political crisis most people in the country enjoy once more a relatively calm life. But – as in so many countries around the globe – sexual violence against children and women continues to be rampant. The NGO SOS Violence Sexuelle supports victims of this violence in one of Abidjan’s most diadvantaged districts. vivo international has greatly enhanced the expertise of SOS’s highly motivated employees by conducting a training for several weeks.
Continue reading: vivo starts in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Mental health and research in conflict settings
Ertl, V., Pfeiffer, A., Saile, R., Schauer, E., Elbert, T., Neuner, F. (2010).
Validation of a mental health assessment in an African conflict population.
Psychol Assessment 22(2), 318-24.
Neuner, F. (2010).
Assisting war-torn populations – Should we prioritize reducing daily stressors to improve mental health? Comment on Miller and Rasmussen (2010).
Soc Sci Med.
Neuner, F., Elbert, T. (2007).
The mental health in conflict settings: Can scientific research help?
BMC Public Health, 7:275.
Ertl, V., Pfeiffer, A., Saile, R., Schauer, E., Elbert, T., Neuner, F. (2010).
Validation of a mental health assessment in an African conflict population.
Psychol Assessment 22(2), 318-24.
Neuner, F. (2010).
Assisting war-torn populations – Should we prioritize reducing daily stressors to improve mental health? Comment on Miller and Rasmussen (2010).
Soc Sci Med.
Neuner, F., Elbert, T. (2007).
The mental health in conflict settings: Can scientific research help?
BMC Public Health, 7:275.
Research on traumatic stress and asylum seekers
Neuner, F., Kurreck, S., Ruf, M., Odenwald, M., Elbert, T., Schauer, M.(2010).
Can asylum-seekers with posttraumatic stress disorder be successfully treated? A randomized controlled pilot study.
Cogn Behav Ther, 39(2), 81-91.
Ruf, M., Schauer, M., Neuner, F., Catani, C., Schauer, E., Elbert, T.(2010).
Narrative exposure therapy for 7- to 16-year-olds: A randomized controlled trial with traumatized refugee children.
Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Neuner, F., Kurreck, S., Ruf, M., Odenwald, M., Elbert, T., Schauer, M.(2010).
Can asylum-seekers with posttraumatic stress disorder be successfully treated? A randomized controlled pilot study.
Cogn Behav Ther, 39(2), 81-91.
Ruf, M., Schauer, M., Neuner, F., Catani, C., Schauer, E., Elbert, T.(2010).
Narrative exposure therapy for 7- to 16-year-olds: A randomized controlled trial with traumatized refugee children.
Journal of Traumatic Stress.
Post-traumatic stress in children from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan
Catani, C. , Gewirtz, A., Wieling, E., Schauer, E., Elbert, T., Neuner, F. (2010).
Tsunami, war, and cumulative risk in the life of Sri Lankan school children.
Child Development, 81(4), 1176-91.
Catani, C. , Kohiladevy, M., Ruf, M., Schauer, E., Elbert, T. & Neuner, F.(2009).
Treating children traumatized by war and Tsunami: A comparison between exposure therapy and meditation-relaxation in North-East Sri Lanka.
BMC Psychiatry, 9:22.
Catani, C. , Schauer, E., Elbert, T., Missmahl, I., Bette, J.-P., Neuner, F. (2009).
War trauma, child labor and family violence: Life adversities and PTSD in a sample of school children in Kabul.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(3), 163-171.
Catani, C. , Jacob N., Schauer, E., Kohila, M., Neuner, F.(2008).
Family violence, war, and natural disasters: Effect of extreme stress on children’s mental health in Sri Lanka.
BMC Psychiatry, 8:33.
Catani, C., Schauer, E., & Neuner, F. (2008). Beyond individual war trauma: domestic violence against children in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
J Marital Fam Ther, 34(2), 165-176.
Elbert, T., Schauer, M., Schauer, E., Huschka, B., Hirth, M., Neuner, F. (2009).
Trauma-related impairment in children – a survey in Sri Lankan provinces affected by armed conflict.
Child Abuse and Neglect, 33, 238-246.
Neuner, F., Schauer, E., Catani, C., Ruf, M. & Elbert, T. (2006).
Post-tsunami Stress: A Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children living in three severely Affected Regions in Sri Lanka.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19(3), 339-347.
Catani, C. , Gewirtz, A., Wieling, E., Schauer, E., Elbert, T., Neuner, F. (2010).
Tsunami, war, and cumulative risk in the life of Sri Lankan school children.
Child Development, 81(4), 1176-91.
Catani, C. , Kohiladevy, M., Ruf, M., Schauer, E., Elbert, T. & Neuner, F.(2009).
Treating children traumatized by war and Tsunami: A comparison between exposure therapy and meditation-relaxation in North-East Sri Lanka.
BMC Psychiatry, 9:22.
Catani, C. , Schauer, E., Elbert, T., Missmahl, I., Bette, J.-P., Neuner, F. (2009).
War trauma, child labor and family violence: Life adversities and PTSD in a sample of school children in Kabul.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(3), 163-171.
Catani, C. , Jacob N., Schauer, E., Kohila, M., Neuner, F.(2008).
Family violence, war, and natural disasters: Effect of extreme stress on children’s mental health in Sri Lanka.
BMC Psychiatry, 8:33.
Catani, C., Schauer, E., & Neuner, F. (2008). Beyond individual war trauma: domestic violence against children in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
J Marital Fam Ther, 34(2), 165-176.
Elbert, T., Schauer, M., Schauer, E., Huschka, B., Hirth, M., Neuner, F. (2009).
Trauma-related impairment in children – a survey in Sri Lankan provinces affected by armed conflict.
Child Abuse and Neglect, 33, 238-246.
Neuner, F., Schauer, E., Catani, C., Ruf, M. & Elbert, T. (2006).
Post-tsunami Stress: A Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children living in three severely Affected Regions in Sri Lanka.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19(3), 339-347.
Articles on vivo’s work in Rwanda
Schaal, S., Elbert, T. & Neuner, F. (2009).
Prolonged grief disorder and depression in widows due to the Rwandan genocide.
Omega, 59(3), 203-219.
Schaal, S., Elbert, T., & Neuner, F. (2009).
Narrative Exposure Therapy versus interpersonal psychotherapy. A pilot randomized controlled trial with Rwandan genocide orphans.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
Schaal, S. & Elbert, T. (2006).
Ten Years after the Genocide: Trauma Confrontation and Posttraumatic Stress in Rwandan Adolescents.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19(1), 95-105.
Schaal, S., Elbert, T. & Neuner, F. (2009).
Prolonged grief disorder and depression in widows due to the Rwandan genocide.
Omega, 59(3), 203-219.
Schaal, S., Elbert, T., & Neuner, F. (2009).
Narrative Exposure Therapy versus interpersonal psychotherapy. A pilot randomized controlled trial with Rwandan genocide orphans.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
Schaal, S. & Elbert, T. (2006).
Ten Years after the Genocide: Trauma Confrontation and Posttraumatic Stress in Rwandan Adolescents.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19(1), 95-105.
Findings on substance abuse
Odenwald, M., Hinkel, H., Schauer, E., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Neuner, F. & Rockstroh, B. (2009).
Use of khat and posttraumatic stress disorder as risk factors for psychotic symptoms: a study of Somali combatants.
Social Science and Medicine, 69, 1040-1048.Odenwald, M., Hinkel, H. & Schauer, E. (2007).
Challenges for a future reintegration programme in Somalia: outcomes of an assessment on drug abuse, psychological distress and preferences for reintegration assistance.
Intervention, 5(2), 124-129.
Odenwald, M., Hinkel, H., Schauer, E., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T. & Rockstroh, B. (2007).
The Consumption of Khat and Other Drugs in Somali Combatants: A Cross-Sectional Study.
PLoS Med, 4(12): e341.
Odenwald, M., Lingenfelder, B. & Peschel, W. (2008).
Psychotic disorder, khat abuse and aggressive behavior: a case report in Somalia.
African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, Vol. 7(1), 59-63.
Odenwald, M., Lingenfelder, B., Schauer, M., Neuner, F., Rockstroh, B., Hinkel, H., Elbert, T. (2007). Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Somali ex-combatants: A validation study.
BMC Conflict and Health, 1:10.
Odenwald, M., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Catani, C., Lingenfelder, B., Hinkel, H., Häfner, H., Rockstroh, B. (2005).
Khat use as risk factor for psychotic disorders: A cross-sectional and case-control study in Somalia.
BMC Med, 3(1):5.
Odenwald, M., Hinkel, H., Schauer, E., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Neuner, F. & Rockstroh, B. (2009).
Use of khat and posttraumatic stress disorder as risk factors for psychotic symptoms: a study of Somali combatants.
Social Science and Medicine, 69, 1040-1048.Odenwald, M., Hinkel, H. & Schauer, E. (2007).
Challenges for a future reintegration programme in Somalia: outcomes of an assessment on drug abuse, psychological distress and preferences for reintegration assistance.
Intervention, 5(2), 124-129.
Odenwald, M., Hinkel, H., Schauer, E., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T. & Rockstroh, B. (2007).
The Consumption of Khat and Other Drugs in Somali Combatants: A Cross-Sectional Study.
PLoS Med, 4(12): e341.
Odenwald, M., Lingenfelder, B. & Peschel, W. (2008).
Psychotic disorder, khat abuse and aggressive behavior: a case report in Somalia.
African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, Vol. 7(1), 59-63.
Odenwald, M., Lingenfelder, B., Schauer, M., Neuner, F., Rockstroh, B., Hinkel, H., Elbert, T. (2007). Screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Somali ex-combatants: A validation study.
BMC Conflict and Health, 1:10.
Odenwald, M., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., Catani, C., Lingenfelder, B., Hinkel, H., Häfner, H., Rockstroh, B. (2005).
Khat use as risk factor for psychotic disorders: A cross-sectional and case-control study in Somalia.
BMC Med, 3(1):5.
Further articles on NET
Bichescu, D., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T. (2007).
Narrative Exposure therapy of political imprisonment-related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.
Behaviour Research and Therapy , 45(9), 2212-20.
Neuner, F., Catani, C., Ruf, M., Schauer, E., Schauer, M. & Elbert, T. (2008).
Narrative Exposure Therapy for the treatment of child and adolescent war victims: From neurobiology to field intervention.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 17, 641-664.
Neuner, F., Onyut, P., Ertl. V., Schauer, E., Odenwald, M. & Elbert, T. (2008).
Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder by trained lay counsellors in an African refugee settlement – a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 686-694.
Onyut, P.L., Neuner F., Schauer E., Ertl V., Odenwald, M., Schauer, M., Elbert T. (2005).
Narrative Exposure Therapy as a treatment for child war survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder: Two case reports and a pilot study in an African refugee settlement.
BMC Psychiatry, 5:7.
Bichescu, D., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T. (2007).
Narrative Exposure therapy of political imprisonment-related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.
Behaviour Research and Therapy , 45(9), 2212-20.
Neuner, F., Catani, C., Ruf, M., Schauer, E., Schauer, M. & Elbert, T. (2008).
Narrative Exposure Therapy for the treatment of child and adolescent war victims: From neurobiology to field intervention.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 17, 641-664.
Neuner, F., Onyut, P., Ertl. V., Schauer, E., Odenwald, M. & Elbert, T. (2008).
Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder by trained lay counsellors in an African refugee settlement – a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 686-694.
Onyut, P.L., Neuner F., Schauer E., Ertl V., Odenwald, M., Schauer, M., Elbert T. (2005).
Narrative Exposure Therapy as a treatment for child war survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder: Two case reports and a pilot study in an African refugee settlement.
BMC Psychiatry, 5:7.
Findings on post-traumatic stress
Elbert T., Schauer, M. (2002).
Psychological trauma: Burnt into memory.
Nature, 419, 883.
Karunakara, U., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Singh, K., Hill, K., Elbert, T., Burnham G. (2004).
Traumatic Events and Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder amongst Sudanese nationals, refugees and Ugandan nationals in the West Nile.
African Health Sciences, 4(2), 83-93.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Karunakara, U., Klaschik, C., Robert C., Elbert, T. (2004).
Psychological trauma and evidence for enhanced vulnerability for PTSD through previous trauma in West Nile refugees.
BMC Psychiatry, 4: 34.
Onyut, P.L., Neuner F., Schauer E., Ertl V., Odenwald, M., Schauer, M., Elbert T. (2004).
The Nakivale Camp Mental Health Project: Building local competency for psychological assistance to traumatised refugees.
Intervention,2 (2), 90-107.
Elbert T., Schauer, M. (2002).
Psychological trauma: Burnt into memory.
Nature, 419, 883.
Karunakara, U., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Singh, K., Hill, K., Elbert, T., Burnham G. (2004).
Traumatic Events and Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder amongst Sudanese nationals, refugees and Ugandan nationals in the West Nile.
African Health Sciences, 4(2), 83-93.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Karunakara, U., Klaschik, C., Robert C., Elbert, T. (2004).
Psychological trauma and evidence for enhanced vulnerability for PTSD through previous trauma in West Nile refugees.
BMC Psychiatry, 4: 34.
Onyut, P.L., Neuner F., Schauer E., Ertl V., Odenwald, M., Schauer, M., Elbert T. (2004).
The Nakivale Camp Mental Health Project: Building local competency for psychological assistance to traumatised refugees.
Intervention,2 (2), 90-107.
Articles about the beginnings of NET
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Karunakara, U., Klaschik, C., & Elbert, T. (2004).
A Comparison of Narrative Exposure Therapy, Supportive Counseling and Psychoeducation for Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an African Refugee Settlement.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(4), 579-587.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., & Roth, W. T. (2002).
A Narrative Exposure Treatment as intervention in a Macedonia’s refugee camp: a case report.
Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 30, 205-209.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., & Elbert, T. (2001).
Testimony-Therapie als Psychotherapie für Überlebende staatlicher Gewalt (translation of title: ‘testimony-therapy for survivors of state-supported violence’).
Zeitschrift für Politische Psychologie, 9, 585-600
Schauer, E., Neuner, F., Elbert, T., Ertl, V., Onyut., Odenwald, M., and Schauer M. (2004).
Narrative Exposure Therapy in Children: A Case Study.
Intervention, 2(1), 18-32.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Karunakara, U., Klaschik, C., & Elbert, T. (2004).
A Comparison of Narrative Exposure Therapy, Supportive Counseling and Psychoeducation for Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an African Refugee Settlement.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(4), 579-587.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Elbert, T., & Roth, W. T. (2002).
A Narrative Exposure Treatment as intervention in a Macedonia’s refugee camp: a case report.
Journal of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 30, 205-209.
Neuner, F., Schauer, M., & Elbert, T. (2001).
Testimony-Therapie als Psychotherapie für Überlebende staatlicher Gewalt (translation of title: ‘testimony-therapy for survivors of state-supported violence’).
Zeitschrift für Politische Psychologie, 9, 585-600
Schauer, E., Neuner, F., Elbert, T., Ertl, V., Onyut., Odenwald, M., and Schauer M. (2004).
Narrative Exposure Therapy in Children: A Case Study.
Intervention, 2(1), 18-32.
Life after the catastrophe
vivo international offers psychological support and trauma therapy to victims of a flood disaster in Bujumbura, Burundi.
vivo international offers psychological support and trauma therapy to victims of a flood disaster in Bujumbura, Burundi.
A new school counsellor
After two years of excellent work our school psychologist Getrude left us for further studies. Her work at the school strenghtened her interest in the work with children and she wants to deepen this interest in master studies. But before she departed, she supported her replacement with her start at the school. The psychological work is going to be continued by Hilder Humphrey, who studied counseling psychology.Sadly, we say good-bye to Getrude and happily, we welcome Hilder!
After two years of excellent work our school psychologist Getrude left us for further studies. Her work at the school strenghtened her interest in the work with children and she wants to deepen this interest in master studies. But before she departed, she supported her replacement with her start at the school. The psychological work is going to be continued by Hilder Humphrey, who studied counseling psychology.Sadly, we say good-bye to Getrude and happily, we welcome Hilder!
Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology
An innovative Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology has been established by the University of Konstanz, Department of Psychology, at the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Chair of Clinical and Neuropsychology, situated at the Centre for Psychiatry Reichenau, Germany. The research clinic collaborates with vivo and focuses on the treatment of refugees who have suffered traumatic events. The present initiative of the clinic is supported by the European Refugee Fund/ Europaeischer Fluechtlingsfonds/ EFF, which aims to assist refugees who have come to Germany seeking asylum, many of whom suffer from post traumatic stress.
Follow the link to find out more.
An innovative Center of Excellence for Psychotraumatology has been established by the University of Konstanz, Department of Psychology, at the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Chair of Clinical and Neuropsychology, situated at the Centre for Psychiatry Reichenau, Germany. The research clinic collaborates with vivo and focuses on the treatment of refugees who have suffered traumatic events. The present initiative of the clinic is supported by the European Refugee Fund/ Europaeischer Fluechtlingsfonds/ EFF, which aims to assist refugees who have come to Germany seeking asylum, many of whom suffer from post traumatic stress.
Follow the link to find out more.
Fighting the war in the minds – Trainings in Narrative Exposure Therapy
vivo international has more than a decade of experience in training local personnel in conflict- and post-conflict areas to deliver trauma-focused therapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy) and similar methods. In October 2013 vivo organized two trainings in trauma therapy in the Kivu regions in Goma and Bukavu. The aim of vivo was to enable local staff in this war-affected region to help traumatized people in need.
Lesen Sie weiter: Fighting the war in the minds – Trainings in Narrative Exposure Therapy
vivo international has more than a decade of experience in training local personnel in conflict- and post-conflict areas to deliver trauma-focused therapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy) and similar methods. In October 2013 vivo organized two trainings in trauma therapy in the Kivu regions in Goma and Bukavu. The aim of vivo was to enable local staff in this war-affected region to help traumatized people in need.
Continue reading: Fighting the war in the minds – Trainings in Narrative Exposure Therapy
Facts and Numbers for the „vivo outpatient clinic for survivors of violence and trauma“ in Gulu
Since April 2011 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda is a steady service provider for the rehabilitation of chronic trauma-related mental health problems of survivors of violence and trauma during the war and in the post-conflict society.
Since April 2011 the vivo outpatient clinic in Gulu, Northern Uganda is a steady service provider for the rehabilitation of chronic trauma-related mental health problems of survivors of violence and trauma during the war and in the post-conflict society.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Kivu Provinces
To get an insight into what has been learned from the work with ex-combatants in the Democratic Republic of Congo to date, please follow the link to find a report on the work in progress.
To get an insight into what has been learned from the work with ex-combatants in the Democratic Republic of Congo to date, please follow the link to find a report on the work in progress.
Preventing harmful punishment in the upbringing of children
In Tanzania corporal punishment and other forms of harmful punishment are very common and still lawful both in the family and at school. A representative national survey has shown that three quarters of Tanzanian adolescent have experienced physical violence and one quarter have experience emotional abuse during their upbringing. vivo international has found similar results in a cross-sectional study of more than 400 Tanzanian primary school students. Furthermore, we found that family violence, emotional neglect, and corporal punishment at school affected the psychological well-being of these children severely. Furthermore, school achievement and cognitive abilities were negatively influenced by harmful punishment.
Lesen Sie weiter: Preventing harmful punishment in the upbringing of children
In Tanzania corporal punishment and other forms of harmful punishment are very common and still lawful both in the family and at school. A representative national survey has shown that three quarters of Tanzanian adolescent have experienced physical violence and one quarter have experience emotional abuse during their upbringing. vivo international has found similar results in a cross-sectional study of more than 400 Tanzanian primary school students. Furthermore, we found that family violence, emotional neglect, and corporal punishment at school affected the psychological well-being of these children severely. Furthermore, school achievement and cognitive abilities were negatively influenced by harmful punishment.
Continue reading: Preventing harmful punishment in the upbringing of children
vivo’s vision in Uganda
vivo provides evidence-based psychological treatment to the most vulnerable. Through interventions on the individual and systemic level vivo works to stop violence and enable peace. Watch vivo staff members Anett Pfeiffer and Laura Achan say more about vivo’s vision in Uganda (filmed and edited by Helle Harnisch).
vivo provides evidence-based psychological treatment to the most vulnerable. Through interventions on the individual and systemic level vivo works to stop violence and enable peace. Watch vivo staff members Anett Pfeiffer and Laura Achan say more about vivo’s vision in Uganda (filmed and edited by Helle Harnisch).
Our work in Gulu Prison
Since October 2012 vivo is also working in the prison of Gulu. The approximately 700 male inmates and approx. 300 female inmates are also often formerly abducted by the LRA and suffer as well from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The mental health well-being of the inmates is also influenced by the long pre-trial detention times (Uganda has too little personnel, e.g. only a few judges responsible for capital offences) and the general poverty: the inmates are dependent on their relatives to provide for food and legal fees.
Since October 2012 vivo is also working in the prison of Gulu. The approximately 700 male inmates and approx. 300 female inmates are also often formerly abducted by the LRA and suffer as well from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The mental health well-being of the inmates is also influenced by the long pre-trial detention times (Uganda has too little personnel, e.g. only a few judges responsible for capital offences) and the general poverty: the inmates are dependent on their relatives to provide for food and legal fees.
Treating the victims of gender based violence
Sosame is a psychiatric hospital situated in Bukavu, in the South-Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hospital is managed by the “Brothers of Charity“ (“Frères de la Charité“) and treats people with severe mental illnesses from the whole province. The people who are seeking help here have hallucinations, are depressed, drug addicted or traumatised.
Lesen Sie weiter: Treating the victims of gender based violence
Sosame is a psychiatric hospital situated in Bukavu, in the South-Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The hospital is managed by the “Brothers of Charity“ (“Frères de la Charité“) and treats people with severe mental illnesses from the whole province. The people who are seeking help here have hallucinations, are depressed, drug addicted or traumatised.
Continue reading: Treating the victims of gender based violence
Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence
In our work in Northern Uganda, vivo recorded alarmingly high rates of acts of gender-based violence: More than 80% of the female clients who had received trauma-focused treatments through vivo reported at least one sexual assault during their lifetime. Some of these traumatic sexual experiences took place during the war, but even in the post-conflict society sexual assaults towards women and children are on the rise. To provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of gender-based violence, vivo was funded by the UN (namely the UN Peace Building Fund via UNFPA) in the framework of the project “Strengthening the Multisectoral Approach to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response” from April 2011 until June 2012. In the course of this project, vivo offered a wide range of psychological support for traumatised children and women, which included psychodiagnostic assessments, trauma-focused therapy, solution-focused and resource-oriented counselling, family mediation and follow-up visits.
Lesen Sie weiter: Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence
In our work in Northern Uganda, vivo recorded alarmingly high rates of acts of gender-based violence: More than 80% of the female clients who had received trauma-focused treatments through vivo reported at least one sexual assault during their lifetime. Some of these traumatic sexual experiences took place during the war, but even in the post-conflict society sexual assaults towards women and children are on the rise. To provide psychotherapeutic support to survivors of gender-based violence, vivo was funded by the UN (namely the UN Peace Building Fund via UNFPA) in the framework of the project “Strengthening the Multisectoral Approach to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response” from April 2011 until June 2012. In the course of this project, vivo offered a wide range of psychological support for traumatised children and women, which included psychodiagnostic assessments, trauma-focused therapy, solution-focused and resource-oriented counselling, family mediation and follow-up visits.
Continue reading: Psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence
School counsellor supports primary school children in Tanzania
In spring 2012, a team from vivo international started a large-scale survey on the psychological health of children at a primary school in Iringa, Tanzania. Iringa is one of the Tanzanian regions that is most affected by HIV/AIDS. vivo international supports the St. Dominic Savio Primary School, a project supporting orphans due to HIV.
Lesen Sie weiter: School counsellor supports primary school children in Tanzania
In spring 2012, a team from vivo international started a large-scale survey on the psychological health of children at a primary school in Iringa, Tanzania. Iringa is one of the Tanzanian regions that is most affected by HIV/AIDS. vivo international supports the St. Dominic Savio Primary School, a project supporting orphans due to HIV.
Continue reading: School counsellor supports primary school children in Tanzania
Training in trauma therapy for local counsellors
Atrocities and brutal crimes, exerted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have recently spread from Northern Uganda to the neighbouring countries where they cause large-scale humanitarian suffering. Specifically in the border regions to South Sudan and the Central African Republic children in DRC experience massive brutality and forced abductions. The LRA criminals kidnap minors and force them under life threat to fight their own people, carry heavy loads through the bush or serve as sex slaves – often children and youth have to kill their own families in order not to be killed themselves.
Lesen Sie weiter: Training in trauma therapy for local counsellors
Atrocities and brutal crimes, exerted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have recently spread from Northern Uganda to the neighbouring countries where they cause large-scale humanitarian suffering. Specifically in the border regions to South Sudan and the Central African Republic children in DRC experience massive brutality and forced abductions. The LRA criminals kidnap minors and force them under life threat to fight their own people, carry heavy loads through the bush or serve as sex slaves – often children and youth have to kill their own families in order not to be killed themselves.
Continue reading: Training in trauma therapy for local counsellors
From soldier to civilian: Demobilising the mind
For over a year vivo international has been collaborating with a centre for youth and adolescents in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The centre offers adolescents who are affected by the war social support and a vocational training in order to give them a new perspective on their future. The adolescents receive a one-year training, support from social workers and help with job-seeking. The centre supports many former child soldiers. The former child soldiers were minors when they joined an armed group; today they are adolescents and young adults who are trying to find their way into civil life. However, this journey is a rocky road, many of them have difficulties integrating. Many of them suffer from traumatic experiences and can be irritable and violent. Hence, they can only partially benefit from the reintegration programme and some do not complete it successfully.
Lesen Sie weiter: From soldier to civilian: Demobilising the mind
For over a year vivo international has been collaborating with a centre for youth and adolescents in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The centre offers adolescents who are affected by the war social support and a vocational training in order to give them a new perspective on their future. The adolescents receive a one-year training, support from social workers and help with job-seeking. The centre supports many former child soldiers. The former child soldiers were minors when they joined an armed group; today they are adolescents and young adults who are trying to find their way into civil life. However, this journey is a rocky road, many of them have difficulties integrating. Many of them suffer from traumatic experiences and can be irritable and violent. Hence, they can only partially benefit from the reintegration programme and some do not complete it successfully.
Continue reading: From soldier to civilian: Demobilising the mind
A life with violence, poverty and insecurity – Support for street children in Burundi
Burundi is a small, densely populated country in the heart of Africa. From 1993 until 2006 the country was shaken by a civil war. More than 300.000 people died and more than a million were displaced. Still today the population has to deal with an atmosphere of violence and insecurity. As a consequence of “la crise”, the Burundian term for the civil war, Burundi has become one of the poorest countries in the world and a large part of the population does not own enough land to feed their families.
Burundi is a small, densely populated country in the heart of Africa. From 1993 until 2006 the country was shaken by a civil war. More than 300.000 people died and more than a million were displaced. Still today the population has to deal with an atmosphere of violence and insecurity. As a consequence of “la crise”, the Burundian term for the civil war, Burundi has become one of the poorest countries in the world and a large part of the population does not own enough land to feed their families.
Establishment of a trauma-focused outpatient clinic for Northern Uganda
Since 1986 there has been an unrelenting and brutal war in the Northern districts of Uganda, led by the rebel group called the “Lord’s Resistance Army”. Studies by vivo have repeatedly shown that the psychological consequences of these two decades of war and terror are still ongoing: Despite the fact that the fighting ended in 2005, many survivors cannot forget their experiences and continuously relive them in the form of intruding memories, nightmares and flashbacks. For them, the war continues in their minds. Furthermore, this long-lasting war has shattered social norms of non-violent interactions, which manifests in severe cases of violence within families and communities and thus leads to further traumatization.
Lesen Sie weiter: Establishment of a trauma-focused outpatient clinic for Northern Uganda
Since 1986 there has been an unrelenting and brutal war in the Northern districts of Uganda, led by the rebel group called the “Lord’s Resistance Army”. Studies by vivo have repeatedly shown that the psychological consequences of these two decades of war and terror are still ongoing: Despite the fact that the fighting ended in 2005, many survivors cannot forget their experiences and continuously relive them in the form of intruding memories, nightmares and flashbacks. For them, the war continues in their minds. Furthermore, this long-lasting war has shattered social norms of non-violent interactions, which manifests in severe cases of violence within families and communities and thus leads to further traumatization.
Continue reading: Establishment of a trauma-focused outpatient clinic for Northern Uganda
Giving a voice to victims of female genital mutilation
Very recently, vivo has started its work with women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ethiopia. In July, August and September 2010 more than 150 interviews with women in Jijiga (close to the Somali border) were conducted on FGM and its mental health consequences, including an intake on the special needs of the women. vivo was impressed by the strength of the women in the Somali region but also very much touched by their horrendous experiences and the pain they have undergone. Knowing about the mental, physical, social and psychological plight of sexually cut women in detail now, we are eagerly planning a focussed treatment and support project.
Very recently, vivo has started its work with women who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ethiopia. In July, August and September 2010 more than 150 interviews with women in Jijiga (close to the Somali border) were conducted on FGM and its mental health consequences, including an intake on the special needs of the women. vivo was impressed by the strength of the women in the Somali region but also very much touched by their horrendous experiences and the pain they have undergone. Knowing about the mental, physical, social and psychological plight of sexually cut women in detail now, we are eagerly planning a focussed treatment and support project.
Housing project for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries of the world. Already in 2004 it was home to 3.9 Million orphans. While many organizations are providing food, clothes and schooling for these children, vivo’s focus is on the psychosocial needs of these children to ensure their healthy mental development. Back in spring 2006 vivo interviewed more than 100 children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS living in Awassa, in Southern Ethiopia. Beside symptoms of grief, many children living in so-called foster families were suffering from ongoing maltreatment and were exploited by their foster families as servants. Therefore additionally to the implementation of trauma and grief counselling structures for orphans, vivo also engaged in awareness raising activities against child abuse and maltreatment in the community and provided training for local counsellors, grandparents and foster families on ‘positive parenting’.
Lesen Sie weiter: Housing project for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries of the world. Already in 2004 it was home to 3.9 Million orphans. While many organizations are providing food, clothes and schooling for these children, vivo’s focus is on the psychosocial needs of these children to ensure their healthy mental development. Back in spring 2006 vivo interviewed more than 100 children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS living in Awassa, in Southern Ethiopia. Beside symptoms of grief, many children living in so-called foster families were suffering from ongoing maltreatment and were exploited by their foster families as servants. Therefore additionally to the implementation of trauma and grief counselling structures for orphans, vivo also engaged in awareness raising activities against child abuse and maltreatment in the community and provided training for local counsellors, grandparents and foster families on ‘positive parenting’.
Continue reading: Housing project for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ethiopia
Violence in the family: Support for affected families in Northern Uganda
Beyond the grievous consequences of war for the individual, exposure to violence on a societal level profoundly disrupts the family system. Loss of family members, psychological suffering of individual family members, high rates of alcohol abuse and the detachment from traditional social support systems such as the extended family adversely affect family relationships. As a consequence families that
have been living through war are at a high risk for family violence even after the war has ended. Children growing up with violence in the family continue to suffer and are vulnerable to develop long-lasting emotional and behavioural problems.
Lesen Sie weiter: Violence in the family: Support for affected families in Northern Uganda
Beyond the grievous consequences of war for the individual, exposure to violence on a societal level profoundly disrupts the family system. Loss of family members, psychological suffering of individual family members, high rates of alcohol abuse and the detachment from traditional social support systems such as the extended family adversely affect family relationships. As a consequence families that
have been living through war are at a high risk for family violence even after the war has ended. Children growing up with violence in the family continue to suffer and are vulnerable to develop long-lasting emotional and behavioural problems.
Continue reading: Violence in the family: Support for affected families in Northern Uganda
Sri Lanka – a country shattered by war and natural disaster
In Sri Lanka’s North-Eastern provinces, traumatic experiences were already common prior to the Tsunami in December 2004. For two decades, thousands of people have been killed and many more were displaced as a result of conflict and violence in the country. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) have been fighting for political autonomy, which resulted in ongoing conflict in the Northern and Eastern areas of the country. Civilians have become casualties of war; landmines and unexploded ordnance posed a constant threat; hospitals and schools have been destroyed; and the economy has been shattered.
Lesen Sie weiter: Sri Lanka – a country shattered by war and natural disaster
In Sri Lanka’s North-Eastern provinces, traumatic experiences were already common prior to the Tsunami in December 2004. For two decades, thousands of people have been killed and many more were displaced as a result of conflict and violence in the country. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) have been fighting for political autonomy, which resulted in ongoing conflict in the Northern and Eastern areas of the country. Civilians have become casualties of war; landmines and unexploded ordnance posed a constant threat; hospitals and schools have been destroyed; and the economy has been shattered.
Continue reading: Sri Lanka – a country shattered by war and natural disaster
vivo starts up in Congo
Violence against civilians is rampant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s War. Women and girls are raped on a daily basis and their life is determined by the fear of being victimized. The women and girls, who have survived rape are often left stigmatized and physically and psychological injured for life.
Violence against civilians is rampant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s War. Women and girls are raped on a daily basis and their life is determined by the fear of being victimized. The women and girls, who have survived rape are often left stigmatized and physically and psychological injured for life.
Psychosocial support system for 600 youths in Northern Uganda
In close collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Youth Education Pack (YEP), vivo started up the development of a long-term psychosocial support system which has so far reached 600 war-affected youths in vocational training centres all over Uganda’s war-torn North. YEP supports most severely affected learners, many of them formerly abducted child soldiers, within ten vocational trainings centres. Within the YEP program learners are enabled to learn practical vocational skills and catch up on academic education in order to reintegrate better within their communities after their return home.
Lesen Sie weiter: Psychosocial support system for 600 youths in Northern Uganda
In close collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Youth Education Pack (YEP), vivo started up the development of a long-term psychosocial support system which has so far reached 600 war-affected youths in vocational training centres all over Uganda’s war-torn North. YEP supports most severely affected learners, many of them formerly abducted child soldiers, within ten vocational trainings centres. Within the YEP program learners are enabled to learn practical vocational skills and catch up on academic education in order to reintegrate better within their communities after their return home.
Continue reading: Psychosocial support system for 600 youths in Northern Uganda
Rwandan psychologists trained by their own peers
vivo has been engaged with Rwandan survivors of genocide, still suffering from trauma-related consequences, since 2006. An important component was the training of a group of Rwandan psychologists by vivo experts in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), during the autumn of 2007. Eighty-six genocide victims were randomly assigned into a treatment and a waiting list control group. Under expert supervision, the Rwandan therapists conducted 6 sessions of NET and 2 sessions of IPT and social interventions, each taking between 90 and 150 minutes. All 37 treatments were completed with great success and the participants improved considerably, observed in the reduction of symptoms of trauma, grief, and depression (effect size for the reduction of trauma symptoms: d= 0.66 at 3 month post-test and d= 1.48 at 1 year follow-up).
Lesen Sie weiter: Rwandan psychologists trained by their own peers
vivo has been engaged with Rwandan survivors of genocide, still suffering from trauma-related consequences, since 2006. An important component was the training of a group of Rwandan psychologists by vivo experts in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), during the autumn of 2007. Eighty-six genocide victims were randomly assigned into a treatment and a waiting list control group. Under expert supervision, the Rwandan therapists conducted 6 sessions of NET and 2 sessions of IPT and social interventions, each taking between 90 and 150 minutes. All 37 treatments were completed with great success and the participants improved considerably, observed in the reduction of symptoms of trauma, grief, and depression (effect size for the reduction of trauma symptoms: d= 0.66 at 3 month post-test and d= 1.48 at 1 year follow-up).
Continue reading: Rwandan psychologists trained by their own peers
vivo international’s mental health component within the Colombian Demobilization Program
Violence, attacks, internal displacement, disappearances and abductions of people thousands of murders and illegal recruitment characterize the history of Colombia for more than 50 years. After an ongoing wave of violence and terror, the Colombian government began the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of illegal armed groups in 2006. The process serves 55,800 demobilized and is coordinated by the High Commissioner for Reintegration (Agencia Colombiana para la Reintegración – ACR ) and implemented locally through 26 service centres . The ACR offers the ex-combatants both psychosocial support and assistance in their professional reintegration.
Violence, attacks, internal displacement, disappearances and abductions of people thousands of murders and illegal recruitment characterize the history of Colombia for more than 50 years. After an ongoing wave of violence and terror, the Colombian government began the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of illegal armed groups in 2006. The process serves 55,800 demobilized and is coordinated by the High Commissioner for Reintegration (Agencia Colombiana para la Reintegración – ACR ) and implemented locally through 26 service centres . The ACR offers the ex-combatants both psychosocial support and assistance in their professional reintegration.
Mental health survey among children in Kabul
In February 2005 vivo had trained a group of 32 local counsellors in the concepts of Traumatic Stress, PTSD and Narrative Exposure Therapy for traumatized survivors of the war and Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In October, a vivo team came back to Kabul and, together with the previously trained counsellors, carried out an epidemiological survey in schools in Dachti Barchi area of Afghanistan’s capital.
Lesen Sie weiter: Mental health survey among children in Kabul
In February 2005 vivo had trained a group of 32 local counsellors in the concepts of Traumatic Stress, PTSD and Narrative Exposure Therapy for traumatized survivors of the war and Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In October, a vivo team came back to Kabul and, together with the previously trained counsellors, carried out an epidemiological survey in schools in Dachti Barchi area of Afghanistan’s capital.
Continue reading: Mental health survey among children in Kabul
Founding and current work of vivo Uganda
vivo decided to build a permanent base in the country in 2004. Local cooperation partners and team members formed vivo Uganda, the independent sister organization of vivo, which is registered with the country’s NGO board. With vivo becoming more and more visible in Uganda, local policy makers and officials requested vivo to not only focus on refugees, but engage in helping the war-affected and displaced population of Northern Uganda.
vivo decided to build a permanent base in the country in 2004. Local cooperation partners and team members formed vivo Uganda, the independent sister organization of vivo, which is registered with the country’s NGO board. With vivo becoming more and more visible in Uganda, local policy makers and officials requested vivo to not only focus on refugees, but engage in helping the war-affected and displaced population of Northern Uganda.
vivo’s work in Sri Lanka
Since early 2002 vivo has been partnering with GTZ, the Ministry of Education, the Education Council North-East and Shantiham Association for Health & Counselling to build-up a cascade model of psycho-social care for affected school children in the North-Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. In the framework of this model, more than 1500 teachers have been trained as qualified Counsellors and Befrienders to provide services to children and their families in need.
Since early 2002 vivo has been partnering with GTZ, the Ministry of Education, the Education Council North-East and Shantiham Association for Health & Counselling to build-up a cascade model of psycho-social care for affected school children in the North-Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. In the framework of this model, more than 1500 teachers have been trained as qualified Counsellors and Befrienders to provide services to children and their families in need.
A psychosocial consultant in Southern Sudan
During October and November 2010, vivo member Nina Winkler worked on behalf of Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC) and the Southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilisation & Reintegration Commission (SSDDRC) as a psychosocial consultant in Southern Sudan. During the consultancy, she assessed the mental health status and psychosocial needs of ex-combatants. Findings of the assessment were presented at the conference “The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Southern Sudan – Lessons and Challenges ahead of the Referendum” held in Juba between 14th and 16 th November 2010.
During October and November 2010, vivo member Nina Winkler worked on behalf of Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC) and the Southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilisation & Reintegration Commission (SSDDRC) as a psychosocial consultant in Southern Sudan. During the consultancy, she assessed the mental health status and psychosocial needs of ex-combatants. Findings of the assessment were presented at the conference “The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Southern Sudan – Lessons and Challenges ahead of the Referendum” held in Juba between 14th and 16 th November 2010.