Our intention is to provide tools and approaches that can stabilise survivors after they have been exposed to traumatising events, help them to deal with events that trigger traumatic memories, and teach them how to regain control of their lives. A survivor that can use the tools available will eventually be able to do exercises that help to calm her even when she is stressed and experiencing flashbacks. When learned, these are effective tools that can be used in situations where few other resources or forms of therapeutic support are available. She will also know more about her own reactions and to acknowledge her rights.
This idea of a toolbox also follows a discussion of skills, using the concept of tools available for the helper. A close look at what tools the participants feel they have themselves, what they are lacking and what they would consider useful is of essence here. This creates the idea that what is learned in the training may be regarded as useful tools in the dialogue with the survivor as well as with the community. The metaphor of toolbox is being used, covering different skills and including ways of talking, sitting, listening, telling a story, breathing exercises etc. form part of the toolbox. The idea is to add to the toolbox through the training.
Look through our toolbox: