Training manual psychological support

Introduction themes

Introduction IFRC training manual

Tool for programme analysis and programme development

Check the IFRC website for news and information on this subject. Below, the chapters of the publication are offered as pdf files. A hard copy of the full publication can be ordered on the publications page of the IFRC website. Another IFRC book is offered to you in the section Best practices psychological support.

Foreword and acknowledgements ( pdf)

Guide to the training programme ( pdf)

Who this training manual is for
How the manual is organized
Starting out
The main programme
Table one
Final session: summary, review and evaluation

Module 1: Psychological support ( pdf)

1.1 What is psychological support?
1.2 The role of volunteers
1.3 The evolution of psychological support programmes
1.4 Basic principles in the implementation
of a psychological support programme
1.5 Summary
Module 1 Slides (full and thumbnail versions)

Module 2: Stress and coping ( pdf)

2.1 People under stress
2.2 Coping with stress
2.3 Loss and grief
2.4 The meaning of trauma
2.5 Guiding principles in the provision of psychological support
2.6 Crisis intervention
2.7 Summary
Module 2 slides (full and thumbnail versions)

Module 3: Supportive communication ( pdf)

3.1 Communication values
3.2 Interpersonal communication skills
3.3 Ways of responding
3.4 Stages of constructive communication
3.5 Assisted coping
3.6 Working with groups
3.7 Referral
3.8 Summary
Module 3 slides (full and thumbnail versions)

Module 4: Promoting community self-help ( pdf)

4.1 Defining a community
4.2 Promoting self-help
4.3 Summary
Module 4 slides (full and thumbnail versions)

Module 5: Populations with special needs ( pdf)

5.1 Groups with special needs
5.2 Children
5.3 Elderly
5.4 Persons with mental illness
5.5 People living with HIV/AIDS
5.6 Summary
Module 5 slides (full and thumbnail versions)

Module 6: Helping the helpers (pdf)

6.1 Stress in the lives of helpers
6.2 Warning signs of burnout
6.3 Caring for the psychological needs of helpers
6.4 Self-help techniques
6.5 Supportive supervision
6.6 Peer group support
6.7 Summary
Module 6 slides (full and thumbnail versions)

Annexes

Annex 1: Terminology of stress and coping ( pdf)
Annex 2: Glossary of typical emotional reactions ( pdf)
Annex 3: Examples of Red Cross - Red Crescent interventions in promoting community self-help ( pdf)
Annex 4: References and further reading ( pdf)
Evaluation questionnaire ( pdf)

Explanation

This training manual builds on the experience of psychological support gathered in many different critical events over the last decade by National Societies, and covers more recently developed technical areas as well as recommended methodologies.

The manual contains information on the skills and techniques required to provide the kind of support which helps people function under the extraordinary level of stress found in most disaster or critical event situations.