Ilajnafsy
Writing Therapy over the Internet in Arabic-Speaking Areas

Background

Since the beginning of 2005 the Berlin Center for the Treatment of Torture Victims (bzfo) has supported the development of a treatment centre for victims of war and torture in Kirkuk in northern Iraq. Due to the unstable security situation in this area there is a significant discrepancy between the need for treatment and the possibility to provide it. The internet therefore provides the possibility to give individuals psychological support without requiring that therapist and patient meet at a physical location. The internet-based therapy can therefore be offered in a number of crisis affected regions or post-war areas as initial psychological assistance.

Interapy is an internet-based therapy for patients with post-traumatic stress reactions that was originally developed by the "Clinical Psychology" working-group from the University of Amsterdam. Interapy is based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (Ansatz), where the central focus is writing therapy in order to process the traumatic events that have been experienced. The therapy takes place exclusively over the internet where patients are guided in using writing as a tool for working through their traumatic experiences in order to evaluate their trauma from a new and less burdensome perspective.

Study

A randomised control study is currently underway to test the effectiveness and acceptance of internet-based writing therapy for traumatized patients in Arabic-peaking areas. Detailed information about the therapy and participation can be found on the websites www.ilajnafsy.org or www.virtual-traumacenter.org.

Cooperation Partner

University of Zurich, Department of Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention

Support

The study is financially supported by the German Foreign Office, the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Miseror.

Contact Person

Dr. Christine Knaevelsrud
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