Working together with the rehabilitation center for political prisoners we designed a three-month training course, focusing on the communication skills, basic counselling, the referral system and the effects of violence and torture. The aim is to be culturally sensitive and to support work in the community. Our peer counsellors are carefully selected and are supervised by mental health professionals. To facilitate referral, we have compiled a directory of local health services and distributed is free of charge. Group therapy We have also trained our staff in the principles of group therapy, where the sharing of experience is part of the recovery process.
People participate on a voluntary basis and speak only when they feel ready to do so.
Everyone is given time to talk. Group sessions give opportunities to share experiences, to create trust, empathy and fellowship within the group. This provides a basis for individuals to rebuild their personal confidence, to improve their personal relationships and find a positive way forward into the future.