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Appeasing the Sea: Post-Tsunami Training of Helpers in Thailand, Phuket 2005

NORD COPE Center, PO Box 76 tivon 36000, Israel; nord{at}netvision.net.il

The following is a description of Helping the Helpers training for 200 teachers and mental health workers from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia 6 months after the Tsunami disaster. The goal of the training was to build support systems for disaster helpers, who would later treat the local populations who suffered directly or indirectly. The training program included theory and experiential activities concerning trauma, from a holistic coping model perspective, with sensitivity for specific cultural modes of response to processing loss. The article describes the multidimensional model of coping resources called "BASIC Ph" used in training crisis and disaster helpers and therapists throughout the world. We used a variety of body/ mind activities such as movement, relaxation, healing touch, guided imagery, metaphoric cards, and forms of art therapy. These methods helped develop strategies for coping with trauma and demonstrated effective ways for assisting individuals, families, and communities in the post-Tsunami recovery.

Key Words: trauma • disaster • tsunami • coping resources • body/mind • art therapy • COPE cards • compassion fatigue • Helping the Helpers

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