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7 . The relationship between therapy , psychosocial work , and support in situations of crisis
7 . The relationship between therapy , psychosocial work , and support in situations of crisis
PART I : POINTS OF DEPARTURE
Aim . To clarify the relationship between different working methods . To describe psychosocial support .
Psychosocial intervention
• A psychosocial intervention is a therapeutic intervention that uses cognitive , cognitivebehavioural , behavioural or supportive techniques to relieve pain . Methods include patient education , interventions to aid relaxation , psychotherapy , and structured or peer support .
• It is commonly used alongside psycho-educational or psycho-pharmacological interventions and seeks solutions for individuals who find it difficult to interact with the social environment .
• ‘ Psychosocial ’ refers to the close relationship between the individual and collective aspects of any social entity . They mutually influence each other .
• It seeks to deal with ‘ psychological ’ effects that are caused by experiences that affect an individual ’ s emotions , behaviour , thoughts , memory , and learning capacity . To a large extent , psychological effects depend on the way in which these events are perceived and given meaning by the individual .
• ‘ Social effects ’ are the shared experiences of disruptive events that affect the relations between people – not only as a result of the events but also of death , separation and a sense of loss . They have an economic and political dimension , since many people suffer in numerous ways as a result of disasters or armed conflicts .
• It is an approach that aims to improve people ’ s well-being .
• The psychological well-being of a person after severe and disruptive events is strongly linked to the knowledge and skills that she possesses , available social support , culture , and values that influence her experience .
Psychosocial support
• Psychosocial support is an approach to victims of violence or natural disasters that fosters the resilience of both communities and individuals . It seeks to facilitate the resumption of normalcy and to prevent pathological consequences of potentially traumatic situations .
Psychotherapeutic interventions
• Psychotherapy refers to psychological or psychiatric interventions based on a contract between a trained professional and a client , patient , family , couple , or group .
• Psychotherapy includes both assessments and explorations of needs , thoughts and feelings with the aim of understanding a problem , establishing a therapeutic relationship or alliance and defining ways to work on the problem presented . Therapists may use different approaches and methods , depending on their training , the problem presented , and the situation of the person seeking help . Therapy usually takes place over a period of time , is evaluated by those involved during the process , and concluded by agreement .