Help offered for coping with tsunami trauma

PHUKET: Two psychotherapists, Dr Victor Adam from Singapore and David Foster, a Phuket-based Englishman, are to conduct free group sessions to help those in Thailand traumatized by the tsunami. The sessions are expected to begin on February 2.

The owner of a house on the Loch Palm Golf Course has generously offered the use of it as a venue for the one-hour group sessions, which will be conducted in English.

At the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, California-licensed psychotherapist Beverley Cone is being sponsored by the hotel to conduct free counseling sessions for individuals and couples, along with classes in stress management and advice for parents whose children may be distressed after the tsunami.

She is also conducting classes under the title, “Reaching Out To Others”, aimed at teaching people how to give support in a community-based fashion to Thais who have suffered loss. These will initially be in English, but a Thai translator will on hand.

The Loch Palm-based psychotherapists will aim to help three main groups of trauma sufferers: survivors trying to cope with bereavement; those who have lost homes or other possessions; and volunteers having trouble readjusting to normal life after their experiences with helping victims.

In order to help Dr Adam and Mr Foster to assess needs and to schedule sessions, those interested in attending are asked to email tsunami_mind_aid@yahoo.co.uk, giving name and contact details. All emails to this address will be received in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively, they may call Tel: 076-288716 or, if a therapist is not immediately available, to leave a name and contact number. All calls will be returned.

To contact Ms Cone, the number is Tel: 076-324101, Room 2203.

Those concerned about a relative or friend in distress are also urged to contact the practitioners for advice.