P-1143 - Training bosnia-herzegovina mental health workers in group analysis in the aftermath of the 1992–1995 war

Abstract

Aim The primary objective will focus the first of all on Group Analysis (GA) as the psychotherapy method and theory of group analysis applied particularly in post-war environments. It outlines in particular a Zagreb Institute for GA Training Programme that took place in Tuzla University Clinical Centre, Department of Psychiatry, in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH) in response to 1992–1995 war, in helping to train mental health workers in GA to enable them to treat psychological trauma symptoms of war survivors. Method Authors described educational process considering the history of idea and its realization through training levels and process of supervision which was provided from the Institute for GA, Department for Psychology Medicine, School of Medicine in University of Zagreb, Croatia in sharing skills of GA to mental health therapists in BH. Results Highly dedicated internationally approved trainers from GA provided completed training for trainees: neuro- psychiatrists, residents, nurses, psychologists, social workers, special educators, paediatrician, and gynaecologist from several different institutions from seven different cities in BH and Croatia. Training started during the war period with introduction course and continues with Diploma Courses. To be accredited GA therapists all trainees are obliged to practice GA therapy with clients under the supervision process of GA supervisors. Nowadays there are 7 graduated Group Analysts in BH. Three of them are in process of training for educators. Conclusion Training of Bosnia-Herzegovina mental health workers to effectively use GA with enthusiastic help of GA trainers from Institute for GA Zagreb will increase psychotherapy capacities in postwar BH.