Serene-project is developing stabilizing methods for people with traumatizing experiences and immigrant backgrounds. The project includes five different approaches: psychoeducation, bodily oriented methods, narrative methods, peer support and audio relaxation material. Serene-project focuses especially on methods that can be used in group situations and that are easily applied to different organizations that work with the target group.
Project Goal
Traumatic experiences can cause a lot of distress, not only on mental and social wellbeing, but also on the physical level: pains and other bodily symptoms are typical for people with traumatic experiences. In addition to this, the immigration process alone can be a big crisis and make it more difficult to seek and get help. People, both the target group and professionals, also need more information about the effects of trauma and the connection of physical symptoms and psychosocial wellbeing.
Who benefits
Immigrants with traumatic experiences. The participants come mainly from the Finnish Red Cross reception centre, immigrant services of Turku municipality and culture associations. Professionals and students working with traumatized immigrants.
How it works
Developing:
- groups and crisis counseling with a bodily and narrative approach for traumatized immigrants
- psychoeducation; written material and info sessions about the effects of trauma, immigration and the mind-body-connection
- peer support; immigrants who have integrated to the Finnish society are trained to work as volunteering peer-supporters for immigrants who need help in e.g. getting to know the new city, finding a hobby and understanding the culture
- relaxation material: create a self-help cd with relaxation and mindfulness-exercises in different languages (Arabic, Persian, Kurdish, Dari, Somali) Interpreters are used in most of the activities, but also simplified Finnish language
Results
So far, the most important results are the following developed methods:
- 'Body and mind' -group; a closed group in which we use bodily approach, psychoeducation and peer support in dealing with traumatic stress and psychosomatic symptoms.
- Peer-support for refugees and asylum seekers (organizing volunteer training and individual support),
- Concept of group based psychoeducation-infos about the body-mind connection, relaxation, mental health and so on.
Evaluation
The evaluation is done by self-evaluation every 6 months, oral and written feedback from participants and cooperating workers, individual and project supervision and thesis works.
Funding and resources
The project has two full time employees (psychologists) and it has funding from Finland’s Slot Machine Association (RAY).
About this good practice
- Project dates
- -
- Geographic area
- Finland
- Organisation
- Association for Mental Health in Southwest Finland, Lounais-Suomen Mielenterveysseura ry
- Contact person
- Elina Haasjoki
- Position
- Project coordinator
Details
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