TF-CBT Ukraine
Addressing Trauma among war refugees
Keywords
Ukraine; war of aggression; refugees; trauma; grief, TF-KVT; trauma therapy; further training for therapists
Project management
University of Ulm, Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy
Network partners
- Developers of TF-KVT therapy from the USA: Tony Mannarino, Esther Deblinger and Judy Cohen
- International TF-KVT trainers: Michael Larsson, Tine Jensen, Zlatina Kostova, Renee Beer, Anette Birgersson, Natalie Cabrera, Gavin Moffitt, Veronica Kirsch, Hanna Weyler Müller, Anna Vikgren, Marja Onsjö, Tale Ostensjo
- MH4U Project

- Ministry of Health Ukraine

- Psychological Society Ukraine

Project background
Due to the war of aggression in Ukraine, many people, including many children and young people, have experienced and continue to experience traumatic events. Traumatic experiences can lead to stress symptoms and psychosocial dysfunction in affected children and adolescents. The aim of this project is therefore to offer interested healthcare professionals in Ukraine and neighbouring countries further training in evidence-based services in the treatment of traumatised children and adolescents. Likewise, a joint exchange and counselling between professionals and volunteers will be offered in the context of Q&A sessions.
One aim of "TF-CBT Ukraine" is to train Ukrainian therapists in the evidence-based trauma therapy "Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy" (TF-CBT for short), to accompany them in the implementation of the therapy and thus improve the mental health of Ukrainian children, adolescents and their families. Thanks to "TF-CBT Ukraine", there will be more Ukrainian therapists in the long term who can help traumatised children and young people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries with evidence-based trauma therapy. In this way, "TF-CBT Ukraine" makes a sustainable contribution to improving the mental health of children and young people in crisis-ridden regions of the world. Q&A sessions and webinars will also be used to exchange information and advice between professionals and volunteers in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
Project description
Within the project, Ukrainian therapists are given the opportunity to undergo a certified TF-KVT training programme. They receive access to necessary self-learning materials (web-training sponsored by the developers of TF-KVT or the Ukrainian/Russian TF-KVT manual), participate in a three-day digital training and receive monthly supervision from experienced TF-KVT trainers from around the world over the course of a year. During this year, they treat at least 5 patients under supervision. In addition, therapy materials are provided in Ukrainian and Russian, which can be used for the therapy of children and adolescents. A new training group with up to 30 Ukrainian therapists starts almost every month. The therapists also have access to additional workshops on related topics such as grief in children and adolescents or trauma diagnostics.
The programme is scientifically evaluated at several points. Firstly, therapists themselves answer questions about themselves and their previous knowledge in an online survey. Secondly, data on patients' symptoms is collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the TF-CVT programme. In terms of quality management, all therapists will also be asked to complete a feedback survey at the end of their 3-day online training programme. Q&A sessions are also held on the topics of the consequences of traumatisation, PTSD, grief and stress assessment.
Contact address
Telephone
0731-500-61680
Supported by:
Porticus Foundation
