WOK SAMBAI COUNSELING SERVICES PROGRAM

"Wok Sambai Senta" is a Psychosocial Support Centre originally formed as a response to the needs of tsunami survivors in 1998. The tsunami left not only physical devastation, but it also left thousands grieving deeply and scarred emotionally and psychologically. About half of the 9, 000 left alive suffered severe trauma from being physically caught in the wave. They also lost members of their family and friends. In many cases they were unable to find and bury the bodies of those who were swept away. They lost not only houses but a way of life.

Major part of the counselling work was provided to the victims of the tsunami. From the expert volunteers who attended to the needs of the tsunami victims, many locals were trained in basic counselling work which formed the nucleus of the grass roots Wok Sambai program. More than half of them are teachers. The program continued to be sourced by experts for counselling work.

Today there are other reasons for referral of people to Wok Sambai. Some of the reasons include:

  • Patient continues to complain of symptoms for which no organic or medical cause is found, and a psychological basis suspected, e.g sorcery fears, spoilt relationship, using sickness to gain other advantages.
  • Patient has a medical/surgical diagnosis but seems very depressed/unhappy or not responding to treatment.
  • Patient has terminal illness such as AIDS which may require family therapy and ongoing support throughout the illness.
  • Patient does not agree to proposed medical treatment.
  • Patient has suicidal tendencies, often a cry for help.
  • Psychosomatic symptoms are observed, such as headaches, high level of anxiety, sweating a lot, or scratches skin a lot.

    The programs had provided services to many individuals, groups and communities within the tsunami affected area and also outside of the tsunami area. The services provided generally cover the One to One Counselling, Hospital Visits, Women Counselling, Art Therapy Workshop, 12 Steps of Self knowledge, Counselor Training in Tsunami Village, Art Therapy Certificate Training, Family and Community Issues Workshops, Family and Community Issues, Nutrition Program Tsunami Villages and Communication Course in Tsunami Areas. Various educational visits are conducted, we also have a day of charity involvement in the communities where we identify there is a need.

    The expected outcome of Wok Sambai and its carers activities is to increase autonomy of individuals, families and local communities in mutual support to achieve social, mental interpersonal well-being; with the goal that all people and communities in which they live can achieve 'gutpela sindaun' without dependence on outside organisations.

    Training programs to be conducted in other parishes of the other deaneries (Lumi & Nuku) within the Diocese has started and more is still to come.

    Apart from the many achievements stated above, the analysis carried out on this main program identified the following issues of concern to be taken into account in the new plan:

  • The project started to respond to the 1998 tsunami disaster
  • The project aim is for community awareness in affecting issues in areas of health care, counselling, nutrition, women and general community awareness
  • There are areas of duplication of work with Peace & Justice and Health.

    DAILY PROGRAM
    Apart from counselling sessions provided each day, the Administration also has a daily programme where we are able to visit and provide counseling to the respective institutions.

    GROUP TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY GROUP TIME
    A AM Raihu Hospital Office Hospital visit Charity Work Office A AM
    B AM Settlement visit Raihu Hospital visit School of Nursing Charity Work Hospital Visit B AM
    Group A:
    Leonie
    Josephine
    John    		 Group B:
    Sr. Mary
    Philip
    Abraham
    A PM St. Martin's Office Office Verbatim Study (St. Martin's Office) Fr. Antonine or settlement visit Office & Town/sports A PM
    B PM Main Office Office Verbatim Study (St. Martin's Office) St. Ignatius Secondary School Office & Town/sports B PM

    This year 2009, the program added to its' other facilitated training courses, two additional but most important courses. The courses were conducted by its' Director, Fr. Tom Ritchie ofm.
    They were:
    * Mid-Life Course, and
    * Clincial Pastoral Education (CPE).
    About 23 participants took part in both these courses.