Pathways through loss Coping with school trauma in a Greek rural community Danai Papadatou, Ph.D. Professor of Clinical l Psychology University of Athens President of Merimna President of Merimna Society of the Care of Children and Families Facing Illness and Death
MODELS OF INTERVENTION COMMUNITY-BASED MODEL Educates, sensitizes about normal responses after a traumatic event Empowers the school community to cope with trauma by offering appropriate information and support Identifies students, families, teachers at risk Co-creates interventions with members of school community for support
MODELS OF INTERVENTION PSYCHIATRIC MODEL Focuses on the prevention and treatment of pathology Pathologizes normal responses to trauma and loss Victimizes i i community members Imposes interventions that reinforce professional expertise and undermine community resources
1. Impact phase 2. Crisis phase Early aftermath th phase 3. Short term aftermath th phase Phase of absorption or processing 4. Long-term aftermath phase Phase of adaptation
Goals of intervention shortly after traumatic event Needs HOLDING ENVIRONMENT functions as a shelter able to sustain pain & distress and as a secure base that encourages skill-building & coping with the demands of an unfamiliar situation
Goals of intervention shortly after traumatic event VULNERABILIY Identify vulnerable students, teachers, families Needs RESILIENCE Mobilize available and new resources Provide support to ALL & those at risk Build new coping skills promote mutual support HOLDING ENVIRONMENT
Long term goals of intervention Needs Minimize VULNERABILIY Maximize RESILIENCE EN E Stabilize an EMPOWERING ENVIRONMENT that functions as a source of mutual support & skill-building and fosters personal and community growth
SUPPORT AFTER TRAUMATIC EVENTS Address & elaborate the traumatic experience by coping with intrusions, nightmares by addressing & changing irrational thoughts by regulating mood swings by exploring existential concerns Facilitate a grieving process Foster self-care & mutual support Reconstruct a personal & collective story that has meaning and coherence
Personal Growth Coping with traumatic events & grieving over significant losses is associated with the opportunity for personal growth Personal growth can lead to: a changed perception of Self a changed perception of Relationships an altered philosophy of Life and one s Being into the world
GOALS OF MERIMNA 1. To sensitize the Greek public on issues related to serious illness, death, dying, and bereavement 2. To train and educate health care professionals and educators in pediatric palliative care, and bereavement support. 3. To provide services to children and significant others who encounter an illness or death experience 4. To conduct research in the field of death, dying, and bereavement
st goal: Sensitization 1 st of Greek public on issues related to serious illness, death, dying, and bereavement 1. Lectures & seminars across the country 2. Symposia 3. Informational and 3. Informational and Educational material
SYMPOSIA 1996: Mourning in our Life 1998: When serious illness & death affect the school community 2003: Losses in children s Life 2009: Pedatric palliative care: Challenges & opportunities
2nd goal: Training and Education of health care professionals, educators and volunteers Annual Training i Programs (100-200 hours) Supporting children, families & schools through illness and death Pediatric palliative care Psychosocial intervention in disaster situations
Participants in Training Programs 200 participants 47% Psychologists, Soc. Workers 30% Nurses, Pediatricians 23% Educators
3 rd goal: Provision of Services 1. Counseling Center 2. Community Team for disaster events 3. Pediatric Palliative Home Care Service
INTERVENTION IN DISASTER SITUATIONS FARKADONA 2004-2007 Bus accident 9 schools ATHENS 1999 Earthquake 11 schools PELOPONNESE 2007-2009 Fires 120 schools
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Together for Children