Sunday, October 25, 2015

Reflections of PFA Participants




Avel Rivera

I want to share with you my reflection on the the PFA training just conducted yesterday.  For a start it seems very alien to me, but as it goes along the away; wait I already done it before... my training's way back my college days as I became an student assistant at guidance counseling center of the PUP as well as to the externship program at Sunrise Hills Therapeutic Community.  Its application way back 1997 up to the present when I was assigned as Psychologist at Manila Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for the Drug and Substance Abuse Individuals.  During the time were conducting rescue operations on the typhoon strucked areas in Manila, fire victims, Payatas tragedy and many others, since I am a member of the Manila Disaster Risk reduction Management Council.  Only that today  it is already labelled and classified as Psychological First Aid.  Nonetheless, what I had learned more is the other concepts behind the PFA, and I am looking forward for the Level II and III  of the training and of course I'm willing to undergo Trainer's Training Course.


It's nice to be a part of this training program in which I met people from other institutions where we had shared different experiences in handling the victims of the disaster. and as I said looking forward to be part of other trainings.  Kudoos to the UST Psychotrauma Clinic for the wonderful and interesting training.

Jomar Hulleza

The training was very informative and very useful in communities. With the typhoons and other calamaties that is happening here in the Philippines, Psychological First Aid is a really big help. Thru simple supportive and empowering words, we can make the distressed survivors feel safe and secure; that we are here to support and help them. 

Though we always have this urge to help, it is our responsibility to be ready and prepared for the things that we will face on the "ground zero." We need to be physically, emotionally and psychologically prepared before going to the affected area. I can recall one of the participants said during the training(non-vebatim): "Kailangan maging handa ka sa kakaharapin mo. Kailangan handa ka sa mga bagay na maaaring mawala sa'yo. Parang pag-ibig lang 'yan eh." And I believe it's true. 

During the training, nai-imagine ko ang itsura ng magulong paligid, yung mga taong nag-iiyakan sa mga ari-arian nila at mahal sa buhay na nawala sa kanila, mga taong agitated dahil walang rasyon ng pagkain, at mga taong nasa evacuation area. It's like I'm imagining an area in a state of anarchy kaya kailangan talagang buo ang loob mo bago ka pumunta doon. Aside from being equipped, you must be organized with other people. "Hindi ka puwedeng pumunta doon ng ikaw lang mag-isa at baka maka-dagdag ka pa sa tutulungan himbes na ikaw ang makatulong." Marami namang agencies or groups na pwede kang makipag-coordinate para maka-tulong at maging systematized din ang magiging approach niyo.

Natutuwa din ako during the simulation of PFA. At first, all of my groupmates (even me) find it hard to execute a PFA (Maybe because medyo nagkaka-ilangan pa with each other or dahil first try lang namin iyon) pero during the last simulation, unti-unti na naming naa-apply yung mga naituro (ofcourse hindi pa rin perfect but our facilitator told us that there was an improvement. Yehey! We really learn from our mistakes. Hahaha!) Binigyan na kasi kami by pair ng situation, a PFA provider and a survivor. 

Thank you so much to the UST-Psychotrauma Clinic Team especially to Sir Renz Argao, Ma'am Amor Arandia and to other people who made this training possible. Sobrang natutuwa ako dahil nagkaroon ako ng opportunity to learn something na alam kong makakatulong  and a chance to meet other professionals and young professionals like me. I'm really looking forward for the level 2 and level 3 training of PFA. Thank you so much and see you soon, guys! :)

Thursday, September 24, 2015

TeamRPM Meets up with UST Psychotrauma Center


"In behalf of Philippine Psychometrician Reviewer and Team RPm, we would like to thank Mr. Renz Argao, RP, RPm for giving us the opportunity to share our objectives earlier at Thomas Aquinas Research Complex. smile emoticon It is an honor to meet him in person. He is such a nice person. We would also like to thank Fr. Egay, the Director of Psychotrauma Clinic. They are really generous for letting our group to reach out with them."
- Mary Anne Portuguez

Our team did not only explore the beautiful UST campus as shown by the images we captured but also explored other possibilities and opportunities that our blog and social media/FB page could further extend to all our readers and likers by way of the training and educational services provided to the public by UST Psychotrauma Clinic.

We are truly happy and thankful, for the warm welcome of  the UST Psychotrauma Clinic's nice and energetic Sir Renz Argao, and the kindess of  Fr. Egay. Equally thankful for all their efforts of extending to us their free training. We at Team RPm are always hopeful that there will be more people like them who are always doing their best effort to reach out those who are in need.

READ MORE here - http://psychometricpinas.blogspot.com/2015/09/team-rpm-riyan-and-donnies-explore-ust.html

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Initial data from our TNA for the Psychological First Aid

Objective and rationale of the survey

The following were the objectives of the survey Training Needs Analysis for Psychological First Aid & Preregistration Form: (1) To assess respondents' interest in PFA,  (2) Evaluate existing skills, training, and competencies of respondents on PFA,  (3) Create network of PFA trainer and volunteers. Your data will only be shared with our trainer or UST Psychotrauma Clinic Project Coordinator Mr. Renz Christian Argao to determine survey respondents  training needs.

We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of most of our readers in Pinoy Psychological First Aiders’ group with particularly their interest in  joining the upcoming event that will be facilitated by the UST GS Psychotrauma Clinic. We are happy that most of our respondents are both students and professionals willing to be trained both as PFA provider and trainer.  This training is significant for us all to learn new skill and also for the welfare and service of our kababayans.

                
The initial data is the result based from the analytics produced by Google survey of our respondents. The data was taken as of August 28, 2015 (10:12pm) with total of 120 respondents.

For those interested you may visit this page link http://psycheventsphilippines.blogspot.com/2015/08/training-needs-analysis-for.html and answer our survey. We will continue to get data from respondents for future training and also for the benefit of those who will not be able to make it on October 24, 2015 scheduled training seminar.


A. Demographics


The figure shows the number of respondents (N=120) based on their gender and age. The data show that most of our respondents, based on gender, female  at 61.5%  while male at 38.5%.  So most likely we are expecting that more participants on the actual training would be composed of female participants.
In terms of age, data suggests that respondents are mostly distributed in the range of 18-23 years old, which is 76% of the sample gathered. 


B. Educational Background, Employment and Licensure



In terms of educational background, data shows that most of our respondents are degree holder composing of 82 individuals, thus covering the 78.8% of gathered data. Primarily composed of fresh graduates from various universities and some would have just taken their licensure exam.

On the other hand, data, as suggested by employment status, most respondents are still looking for job at 37.5% confirming the above data that many are newly graduate, those that are employed in private establishments is at 34.6%. 




Data, in terms of employment, also suggest that most of our respondents are from HR/Training field, composing of 37%, followed by those in the fields categorized as others (different/various fields not identified in the choices given) at 29% and those in the education sector (teachers) is at 23%.



Our data suggest that, most of our respondents are Registered Psychometricians (RPm) at 57.4%, those with or without licensure is at 35.6% and Civil Service Eligible at 16.8% with few of the respondent licensed as teacher at 4%.



C. PFA Familiarity and Experience



Most of our participants, are familiar or have knowledge about PFA at 64.4%,  but majority has not yet attended any training-seminar on PFA at 94.2%. 




Accordingly, most of our respondents reported that they weren’t able to provide any PFA counseling services in the past at 96.2%.


D. Skills, Training Needs, Preferred Schedule, LGU PFA services



As to the skills respondents willing to share, others is at 22.1% (those not categorically stated), writing, editing, and research  is at 20.2%, events organizing/logistical support at 19.2%, these skills are  very useful functions especially in communicating, educating or making people aware of PFA to various communities  and even in online communities as well as in the preparation and actual conduct of training. 

Based on data gathered, our respondents suggested other PFA related training and seminar topics such as effective counseling  at 32.7%, basic PFA  and conducting effective PFA seminars to specific audience both at 17.3%.





Majority of respondents prefer to have the seminar conducted on a Saturday at 69.2%, on a Sunday at 55.8% and during Holidays at 32.7%. While other respondents replied to have it on a weekday from 6PM onwards at 23.1%.

In terms of awareness on PFA provided by any local government unit (LGU), it is apparent that most respondents are not aware of such service at 90.4%.  We strongly recommend that PFA should also be considered one of the most important services that should be provided by LGUs as component of their disaster response management to victims of natural and other man-made calamities (fire, conflicts, war, etc) that causes distress and trauma to their constituents and that psychology professional who are trained should provide those PFA services.




Since most of our respondents knows PFA, but still they shows great interest in being invited to future PFA training and seminar with  an overwhelming 100% response, and majority are willing to undergo training as PFA trainer and provider at 84.6%.


E.  Expectations and objective of the  PFA training-seminar 

1) EXPECTATIONS

I expect the training to be understandable for beginners. 

Informative - easy to digest, fun, enyoyable and good day for those who will attend so that they will still go or attend to different seminars related to this.
  • provide will help us gain more understanding on how to give psychological first aid effectively in people
  • learn everything about Psychological First Aid.
  • enhance my skills in helping people.
  • be informed about the current situation of the disaster and risk management preparedness in the country. 
  • gain insight on both the risk/vulnerability and resilience of Filipinos 
  • see videos of PFA in the Philippines in the past year.


Interactive, Demonstration - hands-on experience on how the psychological first aid is conducted properly.
- undergo exercises like handling mock scenarios that need PFA 

Those who will provide the training/seminar are fully competent in the field with lengthy field experience when it comes to PFA. But most importantly, trainers who have genuine interest in what they do.

To be become connected with the community that provides Psychological First Aid

Obtain handouts/outline/softcopy of ppt or notes on the essential knowledge for PFA

Serves as a refresher course with my previous training. 

The training will be not that far with my current location.


2) OBJECTIVES in attending the PFA training-seminar:

KNOWLEDGE
Learn the basics/essentials of PFA
  • strategies, techniques in counseling/interviewing 
  • conduct the psychological first aid
  • gain new knowledge and skills that will be helpful to me as a future psychologist
  • understand its importance of PFA
  • know the status of PFA in our country
  • learning the correct ways of dealing and, the correct and effective ways of administering psychological aid to the clients.
  • ethical considerations attached to it.


SKILLS
Train myself to become a better psychological first-aider.
How to train others in providing psychological first aid. 
Apply and use PFA in real life
Application-based seminar To have training seminars on other topics which may be used in other fields of psychology such as educational and industrial settings
Spread the importance of PFA
Know the different relaxation techniques as tool to manage and cope up with post-disaster stress; 
Familiarizing myself further with the practice. 
Manage one's self in stressful situations. 


PROVIDE ASSISTANCE
Help citizens/families who need PFA
Get involved in PFA emergencies  
Offer some knowledge to share to my students in school to increase their awareness on PFA
Broaden my knowledge in Psychological First Aid Get to know more HR people like me to be able to apply the learnings in the future
To learn and create a program into a corporate set-up/domain.
Conduct parallel seminars in the community. 
Be able to do volunteers to the coming events.

OTHER PERSONAL GOALS 
Enhance my skills and boost my self confidence.
Become a better person in terms of handling different scenarios.
Contribute to my professional career
To become an effective counselor for those who experienced trauma to prepare myself to whatever psychological needs in our society.

Become member of psychological first aiders.
  • make good friends with co-PFA providers.
  • expand/widen my network of psychology practitioners 
  • meet new friends and co-psychometrician and psychologist whom i believe I wll learn and be inspired.
  • meet different Organizations that offer this service and training

To be on a list of on call PFA provider to apply training. 

Spread the knowledge of PFA by writing articles about it.

Know the future plans and activities of Psychological First Aiders.

Become an advocate in promoting Mental Health and PFA. 

To be able to contribute to the research for the improvement of Psychological First Aid and other related services such as counselling and therapy.


F. Suggested/Nominated Groups and Organizations to avail PFA

Adventist University of the Philippines 
Bedan Psychological Society
CNet-PSR
Jesus Reigns Christian Academy
La Consolacion University Philippines-Psychology Society, City of Malolos, Bulacan 
Meycauayan College, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan 
Our Lady of Fatima University Psychological Society
Philippine Airforce Command/Philippine Airforce Reserve Villamor Airbase Lipa City Philippine Red Cross Lipa Branch
Philippine Red Cross - Manila Chapter Red Cross Youth
Psychological Function Society (Letran-Calamba) (facebook.com/PFSLetranCalamba)
Psychological Society - UPHSD
Psychology Society - University of Makati  
Psychology Society of FEU-Cavite
PUP Graduate School Psychology Society
Rizal Technological University-Pasig Campus
University of Caloocan City Association of Psychology Alumni
University of Caloocan CityCC-Association of Psychology Alumni
UST Psychology Society UST Mountaineering Club


Schools, groups, organizations and other institutions interested to avail of the PFA training services of  UST Psychotrauma Clinic please get in touch with:

Mr. Renz Christian Argao
Project Coordinator 
Tel - (02)4061611 local 4012
Email - ustgsptc@yahoo.com
Website - http://ustpsychotrauma.org/
FB page - https://www.facebook.com/ustgsptc?fref=ts


Report prepared by Mr.  Donnies Bendicio, RPm
PFA Survey Coordinator for Pinoy Psychological First-aiders FB Group

With inputs from TR.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Training Needs Analysis for Psychological First Aid & Preregistration Form

We created an FB group for Pinoy Psychological First Aiders.  Described as a network, resources (information), education, training and other concerns on Psychological First Aid in the Philippines. The Philippines is a disaster prone country since it belongs to the ring of fire, frequented by earthquake, volcanic eruption and also battered by typhoons on a regular basis. To address a more holistic disaster-risk management, psychological first aid should go hand in hand. So this group is created for Psychologists and other volunteers to connect and provide assistance when needed. Let us serve as partner of Red Cross, DSWD, CSO/NGO and other relief/rehab agencies when they are mobilized in times of need. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pinoypsychologicalfirstaiders/


For us to create a data base and training needs analysis kindly answer this survey. Salamat po.



 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

What is PSYCH Events Philippines

The objective is to monitor, document, share and spread Psychology and other related events happening in the Philippines.

Let us know your events and we can post it here.

So let us share and spread Psychology and other related events.