As more and more Koreans are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after going through terrifying events like the sinking of the Sewol ferry and the Daegu subway fire, there’s a growing interest and need for PTSD treatment.
[ Participants of the Second PTSD Counselor Training Program ]
After years of experiences, HUMAN IN LOVE has realized the importance of enhancing the PTSD counseling skills of humanitarian activists, welfare organizations and on-site NGO workers because they are the ones who work on site and meet the victims.
Since 2014, HUMAN IN LOVE has prepared a PTSD Counselor Training Program with IsraAID, a humanitarian organization specializing in psychotherapy, and GLOBAL CARE, an international humanitarian medical NGO in Korea. The first program was launched in 2015 and the second program kicked off in March this year.
[ The Second PTSD Counselor Training Program ]
The lectures were given by Batia Sheffy, Ph.D. in social welfare and a trauma expert, and Professor Avital Furlager, a dance therapist and psychotherapist as well as a mental health therapist for refugees. I asked Prof. Avital Furlager about how she felt about her first visit to Korea and her lecture.
1. What was your first impression of Korea?
[ Professor Avital Furlager from University of Haifa, Israel ]
My first impression of Korea is actually my first impression of Seoul. Seoul is the biggest city in Korea, and definitely one of the biggest cities that I’ve ever been. I’m so lucky that I visited Korea in this beautiful season when cherry blossoms are everywhere. I stayed near Han River and I could walk around and enjoy a cherry blossom festival. Koreans are really nice and seem to love coffee. This was really interesting to me. I thought that Koreans or at least those living in Seoul are such a hard worker and live the fast life. I also got an impression that Seoul is very traditional. I thought both modernity and traditional values coexist in Seoul.
2. What struck you the most during your class?
The most impressive part of my lecture was to see the participants being honest. My lecture is designed to let students experience by themselves and learn how to use art in trauma therapy. For this, they need to open themselves up and share their stories, and I was glad to see them exactly do so.
[ The participants of the PTSD Counselor Training Program ]
3. Is there anyone who made a big impression on you?
It may sound a cliché, but I remember everyone. I taught a small group in the first week and a bigger group in the second week. Both groups had a great sense of intimacy regardless of their number. Some participants shared their stories in front of the whole group, encouraged others to talk, liven up the mood with hilarious jokes or asked good questions to others. The power of the lecture lies in unity.
[ The participants of the PTSD Counselor Training Program ]
4. Is there a difference in terms of PTSD between Korea and Israel?
There is no difference in terms of PTSD whether it is Korea, Israel or any other country because PTSD is developed when people repeatedly suffer from the same, shocking experiences. Basically, PTSD is a mental disorder, and fortunately most of the people who go through terrifying experiences don’t end up developing PTSD.
I think there are both common and different things about shocking events (trauma) between Korea and Israel. When it comes to shocking events like car accidents, losing beloved ones or being threatened, basically there’s no difference between the two countries. Also, both Koreans and Israelis have experienced collective trauma resulting from political instability. However, the two countries have their own history and experience too. For example, in Korea there was a tragic sinking of the Sewol ferry. In Israel, there was a helicopter accident that took 73 soldiers’ lives around 20 years ago. The victims were young people from 18 to 23 years old. The casualty of the helicopter accident itself is smaller than that of the Sewol ferry accident, but those accidents are a classic example of terrifying accidents. Likewise, there are both common and different things about shocking experiences.
5. Many Koreans are suffering from PTSD and victimized by natural or human disasters. How important is it to get PTSD counseling or treatment?
When a disaster occurs, giving psychological support can help people become more resilient and better deal with the situation. Thus, psychological support can help relieve emotional stress (trauma). If someone still suffers from trauma even after some time, it is important to get him/her go to counseling or treatment. It is very difficult to overcome emotional difficulties without professional help.
It is common for people to suffer from emotional difficulty after going through shocking experiences. You don’t have to be ashamed of feeling universal human emotions or going through treatment. In fact, those who receive treatment are responsible because they try to take care of themselves and be in the best condition. Since there is no one that hasn’t experienced any type of trauma, anyone can be benefited from treatment.
[ The participants of the PTSD Counselor Training Program ]
6. I heard Israel’s PTSD counseling and treatment are really good. How good are they?
Israel has a stable system in terms of mental health treatment. There are professional therapists working through medical providers as well as independent professional therapists working in local community. Basically, anyone who needs mental health care can access treatment. In addition, Israel has hospitals, therapists and mental health programs that specialize in treating PTSD patients and relieving their symptoms.
7. Do you have any wishes from the participants?
Most of all, I hope they keep in touch with each other. They shared special moments with other participants that they’ve never met before. This is very special, and I hope they can utilize this relationship. Also, please share what you learn with your friends, family, colleagues or anyone. You learned the foundation of good skills. If you share it with others, this will broaden knowledge and make it more useful.
[ The participants of the second session of the Second PTSD Counselor Training Program ]
(※ Sangjun KIM volunteered to take photos as part of talent donation. Thanks.)
