Overview
The experience of detention in the prisons of the former Assad regime has left deep psychological scars among thousands of detainees, including children who endured inhumane conditions. Violations ranged from physical torture, deprivation of food and sleep, isolation, humiliation, and constant fear. These experiences resulted in severe psychological disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, chronic anxiety, and loss of trust in oneself and in society. This program is specifically designed to support survivors in their recovery journey by integrating specialized psychological therapy with social and family support activities, enabling them to regain a sense of safety and build a balanced, healthy future.
General Objectives
- Addressing trauma: Reduce the intensity of painful memories that hinder survivors from living a normal life.
- Restoring psychological balance: Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and strengthen self-regulation skills.
- Enhancing coping skills: Train survivors on practical techniques to deal with daily stressors.
- Rebuilding trust: Between the survivor and themselves, and between the survivor and their community, after years of isolation and humiliation.
- Child rehabilitation: Through play therapy and creative activities that help them overcome trauma and develop balanced personalities.
Detailed Program Components
Initial Psychological Assessment
- Individual interviews conducted by specialists to determine the level of trauma (mild – moderate – severe).
- Use of assessment tools such as PTSD symptom checklists and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
- Developing a personalized treatment plan for each participant.
Individual Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thoughts associated with trauma.
- Stabilization techniques: To reduce sudden stress reactions and panic attacks.
- Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices.
Group Therapy
- Weekly sessions led by a psychologist.
- Experience sharing among survivors to break isolation and foster solidarity.
- Rebuilding communication skills and trust within the group.
Child Support
- Play Therapy: Using play as a tool for emotional expression.
- Art Therapy: Drawing, painting, and music as methods of emotional release.
- ‘Safety sessions’: Teaching children how to deal with fear and nightmares.
- Gradual reintegration of children into education and social programs.
Family Support
- Training families on how to support returning survivors.
- Awareness sessions to avoid stigmatization of former detainees.
- Special support groups for women to help mothers and wives cope with pressures.
Life Skills Workshops
- Anger management and emotional regulation.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Planning for educational and professional futures.
- Group activities to strengthen teamwork and cooperation.
Medical Referral
- Some cases may require antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.
- Referral to psychiatrists for long-term medical follow-up.
- Special support for cases with sleep disorders or addiction as a result of trauma.
Implementation
- Duration: 6 months – extendable.
- Individual therapy sessions: Minimum of 12 per participant.
- Group therapy sessions: Weekly, lasting 1.5 hours.
- Team composition: Psychologist – Group Therapist – Child Facilitator – Social Worker.
