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3.1.2
The Core Counsellors Programme 1997 – 1999
The next level of course was offered to a smaller group, chosen from those who attended the basic
training. This was a 12-month course, with monthly teaching sessions and ongoing supervision of
cases. About 18 nurses went through this course in two Districts – Mount Darwin and Muzarabani.
This programme was designed to increase the capacity of the District service and create a group
of more experienced and better-trained counsellors who could back up those nurses who had been
through the Basic Skills Programme. The course covered the following:
3.2
Screening and make detailed assessments of patients with psychological disorders;
Applying the counselling tools/skills to a variety of situation that they come
across;
Conducting individual counselling using the problems solving and single therapeutic
interview techniques;
Applying the family therapy algorithm in the counselling of families;
Participating in peer counselling within working areas;
Supervising and assist colleagues on all aspects of counselling.
The Trauma Counselling Programme 1999 – 2000
The last aspect of Amani’s training represented a shift in AMANI’s training philosophy. Following
extensive discussions and a needs assessment, it was decided in 1998 to offer training on a
Provincial basis, revolving around a training-of-trainers approach. A needs assessment indicated
that disorders due to trauma were a very common problem seen by Provincial health workers, and
that there was a need for generic trauma counselling training. It was not possible to mount this
programme in 1998, and the Trauma Counselling programme was finally launched in March 1999.
The aims of the programme were several-fold and covered a variety of different forms of trauma.
The course was mounted in conjunction with the Family Support Trust and the Musasa Project.
The former was an NGO dealing with child abuse whilst the Musasa Project dealt with domestic
violence. Both these forms of trauma were indicated as common in the needs assessment.
The basic aims were as follows:
To identify 5 different types of trauma and their effects on individuals, families and
communities;
To Assess trauma using at least 4 of the various instruments;
To Apply at least 3 intervention techniques to different types of trauma;
To Identify caring procedures for carers.
The course covered a wide area within trauma as follows:
Detection of psychological disorders;
Assessments;
Depression/Anxiety;
Trauma and violence;
Counselling and Communication;
Debriefing;
Family Therapy;
Problem solving therapy;
Brief Therapeutic Interview;
Care for caregivers.
AMANI TRUST: Psycho-Social assistance to Survivors of the Liberation War.
A report on Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe.
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