26th June 2024
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) shares a statement in response to the ongoing Palestine and Israel conflict.
The IACP as a professional membership body maintains a neutral position on political issues. However, as mental health professionals we recognise the deeply traumatic impact of war, and we also recognise the indescribable impact this situation is having on communities not only in Palestine and Israel but across Ireland and the world.
The IACP extends its compassion to all those who have been affected by the deeply traumatic events since October and the ongoing violence of recent months.
As healthcare professionals, we also wish to express our solidarity with healthcare workers who are working selflessly while confronting incredible personal danger and trauma.
The IACP represents over 6,000 counsellors and psychotherapists and we are deeply moved by the depth of ongoing collective trauma being experienced by the communities affected in Palestine, Israel, in Ireland and across the world.
The IACP expresses extreme concern at this deep collective physical and mental trauma and urges all sides to abide by international law as per the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice which seeks to prevent acts of genocide, and to ensure urgent humanitarian assistance is provided to those who desperately need it.
We urge all sides to work to end this conflict to enable the humanitarian and trauma response to continue and healing for all those affected to begin.
The IACP continues its work to support members working with clients affected by this ongoing conflict, resources available below.
Yours sincerely on behalf of the IACP Board of Directors,
Séamus Sheedy
IACP Cathaoirleach
Resources
American Counceling Association (ACA) web page: Trauma and Disaster Mental Health
American Psychological Association (APA): Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of teens
BACP toolkit: The EDI Coalition toolkit
BBC article: Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
Berkeley Greater Good magazine article: Six Tips to Avoid Being Overwhelmed by the News
British Psychological Society (BPS): Helping children to process the horrors of war
Childline web page: Worrying about Israel and Gaza
CNN article: How to protect your mental health while keeping tabs on the Israel-Hamas war
CNN Podcast: How to Cope with The Current News Cycle
Common Sense Media: How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War
Learning for Justice: Discussing War and Conflict: Resources for Educators, Parents and Caregivers
National Association of Independent Schools (U.S.): Resources for Educators About the Conflict in the Middle East
Northwestern University: Self-Care Strategies for Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress
NPR article: How to help humanitarian efforts in Israel and Gaza
SAMSHA fact sheet: Tips for Survivors: Coping with Grief after a Disaster or Traumatic Event
SAMSHA web page: Compassion Fatigue and Self-care for Crisis Counselors
UNICEF web page: How to talk to your children about conflict and war
WHO free publication: Mental health of refugees and migrants: risk and protective factors and access to care
WHO web article: Five key themes for improved mental health care for refugees and migrants
WHO Fact Sheet: Mental Health in Emergencies
WHO Fact Sheet: Mental Health and Forced Displacement
WHO Guidance: Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers
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