Post-traumatic Growth in Practice: Stories of Change
Workshop
Tuesday 27th March 2018 at the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Workshop
In order to contribute to the ongoing work of psychologists, therapists, and counsellors in Rwanda, the next stage of the project’s research is to adapt a tool for measuring post-traumatic growth for therapeutic work in Rwanda. The tool will be based on evidence taken from the testimonies stored in the Genocide Archive of Rwanda. This workshop gathered together those who work in a range of mental health services in Rwanda: referral services, local organisations, NGOs, and survivors associations. We reflected together on the value of assessing post-traumatic growth in these settings and brainstormed best ways to do this. The workshop encouraged discussion between practitioners from different backgrounds, ie. those who work with individuals and groups, and those who work with younger and older clients. Discussions took place in English, French, and Kinyarwanda. We are now planning further dialogue between psychologists, mental health nurses, psychotherapists, sociotherapists and researchers to continue developing a helpful and relevant therapeutic tool for use in Rwanda. 22 therapists and psychologists participated.
Programme
After an introduction to the concept of post-traumatic growth, participants were asked to reflect on their own practice to date and to think about contexts where they had come across this kind of psychological growth. Then taking a look at existing models for assessing post-traumatic growth, participants were asked to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these models, and then to suggest whether and how they could be adapted for use in their own work settings. The workshop concluded by gathering ideas and experiences.
Participants
Balthazar Nkundimana, Samuel Habimana, Jean de Dieu Nsengiyaremye, Emmanuel Ndayambaje, Diogene Karangwa, Edmond Dufatanye, Sophie Musabeyezu, Emilienne Kambibi, Annemiek Richters, Felix Bigabo, Therese Uwitonze, Noella Ingabire, Eugene Harerimana, Chantal Ingabire, Sandra Shenge, Melissa Keza, Darius Gishoma, Chaste Uwihoreye, Grace Kagoyire, Deogratias Nshimiyimana
Tuesday 27/03/2018
| 9:30-10:30 | Registration and Coffee |
| 10:30-10:45 | Introductory Remarks/ Freddy Mutanguha and Professor Nicki Hitchcott |
| 10:45-11:00 | Background to Posttraumatic Growth/ Professor Stephen Joseph |
| 11:00-11:45 | Gathering examples from clinical practice/ Dr Darius Gishoma and Chaste Uwihoreye |
| 11:45-12:30 | Group Discussions on clinical experience/ Dr Hannah Grayson |
| 12:30-2:00 | Lunch in KGM Café |
| 2:00-3:00 | Stories of growth and PTG methods/ Dr Laura Blackie |
| 3:00-3:30 | Refreshment break |
| 3:30-4:00 | Group discussions on adapting the PTG questionnaire /Dr Laura Blackie |
| 4:00-4:30 | Closing Remarks and Next Steps/ Rwandan Stories of Change team |
For more information please email [email protected]