A company specializing in trauma therapy trains Ukrainians with psychology training to help compatriots deal with possible war traumas. Municipalities have already expressed an interest in the services of these Ukrainian psychologists, who can help refugees in their own language at short notice.
This Saturday nine Ukrainian psychologists received training from Anne van de Ouwelant of the Trauma Company. She teaches her Ukrainian colleagues how to recognize trauma and how to deal with it. And that is necessary, even if they are certified psychologists. “They have a background in psychology. But that doesn’t mean they have all the knowledge about trauma. We try to teach them here.”
One of the psychologists who wants to work as a ‘trauma-sensitive coach’ is Oleksandra. She is already noticing that she benefits from talking about what happened. It took her herself four days, along with friends and children, to flee to the west of the country when the war broke out. First they dropped off friends who wanted to stay in Ukraine with relatives, then they traveled on to the border. “Those 24 hours were the longest night of my life.”
‘Recognize signals’
Oleksandra herself does not suffer from flashbacks or nightmares. But she is aware that this can still arise later. Not just with her, but with others as well. That is why she wants to talk to her compatriots. “I especially want to help people, if only to make them aware of the process they are currently in mentally. They can then recognize signals.”
For her future colleague Dariia it feels like a battle, but then in the Netherlands. “Our frontline as psychologists is here. You can safely provide help here.”
Liesbeth Renckens, clinical psychologist at the ARQ National Psychotrauma Center says that not all Ukrainian refugees will need help. Even though they’ve all been through bad things. “Many people will have a hard time in the beginning, but will recover mentally in a safe environment.” A minority will eventually need psychological help, Renckens expects.
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The Ukrainian psychologists can offer a solution for the group that is now running into problems, thinks Alderman Leon Meijer of the municipality of Ede. In his municipality, Ukrainians are received in Harskamp. “What you need is that you can break down the language barrier. So what this healthcare provider is doing is very nice. To make people available in their own language to help.”
Meijer therefore expects to make use of the services of these psychologists. “The moment we think: children do need some conversations, then we can call in care.” The aid is not only aimed at children, but must also be made available to young people or adults.
The fact that extra psychologists are now available is not only practical because of the language barrier. It also helps to be able to treat more quickly, because in addition to language problems, there are already waiting lists in GGZ. It can also help not to let the already long waiting lists get too far.
‘Include the environment’
During these conversations, the psychologists will also have to pay attention to the patient’s environment, says trainer Anne van de Ouwelant. “Human beings are very resilient. But if the people around you constantly ring that bell, your own bell can’t stop ringing either.” So she teaches the Ukrainian psychologists to include the environment in the therapy as well.
Oleksandra and Dariia see it as their duty to support compatriots. Dariia: “I want to help people in need. All Ukrainians need help now. They have a lot of sadness and fears.”
The intention is that the psychologists will start on May 1.
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