Building Resilience in Families, Communities, and Organizations: A Training Program in Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Abstract

This article describes the Summer Institute in Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, a brief immersion training program for mental health, health, and allied professionals who work with populations that have endured severe adversities and trauma, such as domestic and political violence, extreme poverty, armed conflict, epidemics, and natural disasters. The course taught participants to apply collaborative and contextually sensitive approaches to enhance social connectedness and resilience in families, communities, and organizations. This article presents core training principles and vignettes which illustrate how those engaging in such interventions must: (1) work in the context of a strong and supportive organization; (2) appreciate the complexity of the systems with which they are engaging; and (3) be open to the possibilities for healing and transformation. The program utilized a combination of didactic presentations, hands-on interactive exercises, case studies, and experiential approaches to organizational team building and staff stress management.

Keywords: Family and Community Resilience; GMHPSS; Global Mental Health; Global Mental Health Training; Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support; Human Rights Strengthening; Psychosocial Approach; capacitación en salud mental a nivel mundial; enfoque psicosocial; fortalecimiento de los derechos humanos; resiliencia familiar y comunitaria; salud mental a nivel mundial; 人全增强; 全球精神健康; 全球精神健康培训; 家庭和社区复原力; 心理社会方案.