From October 14 to 18, a conference was held on the basis of the DobroMore project, which brought together specialists in the field of psychology, social work, volunteers and coordinators of charity projects. Participants from different countries gathered to discuss support for people who have experienced severe shocks in their lives and to share their experiences of the past months.
Over the 5 days of the conference, the lectures and workshops were attended by about 150 people, including non-specialists. The open program, designed for everyone who wants to get tools to help themselves and their loved ones, was a particular success.
The conference became a platform for in-depth elaboration of the topic of post-traumatic disorder as a consequence of shocking events for a person. Expert speeches, approaches, round tables, demonstration of methods and group trainings allowed to exchange experience in solving the problem of PTSD prevention and the possibility of development after the trauma.
Olga Pozdeeva, a child and family psychotherapist, shared about the main trends of assistance and the “EMDR-method” in working with refugees. During the open trainings with Anna Sergeeva the uniqueness of each participant was revealed and work with feelings of hopelessness and loss was carried out. Svetlana Alshevskaya, a crisis and family psychologist, told about methods and techniques of multimodal approach, about fears and ways of psychological adaptation to new living conditions.
Important reports on ecology and the framework of helping oneself and others, on the prospects of psychological help were given by Alina Titova, psychologist, head of a volunteer organization.
Alexander Haritonsky introduced the forum participants to popular narrative practice and its methods.
Maria Padun, PhD in Psychology, author of works on existential psychology, told how to exist and build a course of one’s life under conditions of stress and shock from severe events. Working with trauma within the framework of human behavior was discussed by practical Gestalt psychologist Mikhail Letin.
Natalia Shepilova, a body gestalt therapist and coach, spoke about the application of the generative approach to working with trauma in coaching.
At the end of the conference, leading psychologists conducted a number of individual consultations for those who found themselves in difficult life situations.
Important results included methodological recommendations for helping organizations and state structures hosting refugees, as well as basic provisions for supporting psychologists and volunteers who provide support to others. For the refugees themselves, a reference booklet to minimize the consequences of the traumatic situation and to facilitate psychological adaptation in the new environment. The conference was also an inspiring outcome of the conference, as it was the networking and unification of high-level professionals and the establishment of a psychological community.
Thank you to the organizers of this amazing, rich meeting. Special thanks to the management of the Splendid Hotel, whose support and high level of organization is a constant component of the success of DobroMorya events.
Five amazing days like-minded people, colleagues spent together, caring and treating each other with care, helping and motivating each other for further work and assistance to the beneficiaries, for good deeds. For many people, the very fact of holding such a meeting at this time and place was important and healing.
The next international conference is planned to be held at the end of February 2023. Until then, psychologists and volunteers living in Montenegro have the opportunity to meet regularly for workshops, sessions, supervision and professional development courses. The schedule will be published in telegram channels and on the website dobromore.eu.