Tsunami counselling project of the Sri Lanka National Institute of professional counsellors

摘要

A total of 1724 people affected by the Asian tsunami disaster were given counselling. This included 1093 adults (669 females and 424 males), as well as 631 children, from the Galle District of Sri Lanka. Residents of 16 campsites were informed of the aims and objectives of the counselling through awareness programs. Tents were erected to use as counselling centres. The counselling program was conducted in two stages during 4 days each in January and February 2005. Participating counsellors during each stage were 1 counselling specialist and 24 professional counsellors. Eight psychologists carried out psychotherapy and counselling. General counselling, cognitive restructuring, existential therapy, relaxation, career guidance counselling, play therapy and RET techniques were used. Individual counselling, family counselling and group counselling was provided to children and mothers during both stages. We identified 8% of the clients as suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and were referred to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Psychiatric Unit. Approximately 7% were diagnosed as vulnerable to PTSD with some PTSD symptoms. They were provided psychotherapy by psychologists during Stage 3. In these clients, 80% of the symptoms improved after 1 month and they were advised to continue relaxation exercise for another 1 month. Approximately 30% had few tsunami related symptoms and they were diagnosed as suffering from related disorders including severe stress, anxiety, somatoform and sexual disorders. These results indicate that there is a need to provide counselling and psychotherapy services to the tsunami victims.