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
therapy
Es werden alle Berichte über Projekte angezeigt, die sich mit Therapie beschäftigen.All project reports on therapy are displayed.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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/
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.
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.
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
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.
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”.
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Lesen Sie weiter: 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
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
NET down under
In 2015 Narrative Exposure Therapy has once again reached Australia.
In 2015 Narrative Exposure Therapy has once again reached Australia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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
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.
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.
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.
vivo’s initial steps in Uganda
Uganda has a long history of civil wars and has been surrounded by some of the worst conflicts in African history. As a consequence, Uganda hosts large refugee populations from many foreign countries and has to deal with the legacy of their own wars. vivo’s work in Uganda started in 1999 with the first trial of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) treating traumatized Sudanese refugees in Imvepi refugee camp situated in the very North of Uganda.
Uganda has a long history of civil wars and has been surrounded by some of the worst conflicts in African history. As a consequence, Uganda hosts large refugee populations from many foreign countries and has to deal with the legacy of their own wars. vivo’s work in Uganda started in 1999 with the first trial of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) treating traumatized Sudanese refugees in Imvepi refugee camp situated in the very North of Uganda.