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2 months ago · · 0 comments

Samutthana Partnership with UEA

Note: This post was originally shared on the University of East Anglia (UEA) website, highlighting their partnership with Samutthana to support mental health services in Sri Lanka.

Celebrating UEA's partnership working with mental health services in Sri Lanka at the British High Commission in Colombo

Celebrating UEA’s partnership working with mental health services in Sri Lanka at the British High Commission in Colombo

UEA staff from the Clinical Psychology Doctoral programme (ClinPsyD) have been working in partnership with mental health organisation Samutthana since 2022.

Samutthana, which means rejuvenation in Sanskrit, is an organisation that seeks to support capacity building in mental health services in Sri Lanka.

This partnership working has culminated in the development of new international placement provision for UEA students to experience working with mental health services, NGOs and charitable organisations in Sri Lanka, with the overall aim being to support such capacity building and offer a reciprocal exchange of skills and learning.

This collaborative working in mental health provision mirrors the arrangements that the University’s ClinPsyD programme has established with many other partner organisations in Southeast Asia and Australia across the last nine years, with formal memorandums of understanding recognising these relationships.

Visit to Sri Lanka for initial scoping

In March 2024, Prof Sian Coker, FMH Associate Dean for Internationalisation, and Dr Amy Carroll from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology visited Sri Lanka, to give presentations on proposed plans to the Ministry of Health, and to potential placement providers in Colombo and its surrounds, Kandy, and Jaffna.

Together with colleagues from Samutthana, Prof Coker and Dr Carroll visited multiple placement sites in these locations and were extremely grateful to colleagues in these organisations for their time and warm reception to their ideas. The final meeting of this visit was with Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner (BHC) for Sri Lanka, who offered his support for these developments and asked to remain informed on progress.

Image caption: UEA staff and colleagues from Samutthana at the initial meeting with the British High Commissioner

International opportunities for student placements

Shortly afterwards in July this year, staff on the ClinPsyD programme were able to send UEA student Roseanna Bridge on placement with colleagues from the following organisations: Ayati, Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Family Rehabilitation Centre.

Initially based in Colombo, the placement later extended to services in Jaffna, in the north of Sri Lanka.

Speaking on their positive experience, Roseanna said: “The placement in Sri Lanka provided an insightful opportunity to learn about mental health in another culture.

“I was able to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology to upskill non-psychology professionals and collaborate with other psychologists, to develop guidance which was both evidence-based and culturally appropriate. This placement allowed me to consider global mental health and the role of a Clinical Psychologist more broadly.”

This was echoed by Dr Isuri Roche Dharmaratne, CEO of Samutthana, who highlighted the joint working with UEA: “Together, UEA and Samutthana formed a solid partnership that is not only meeting goals but also building collaboration, trust, and shared experiences, a testimonial to the experiences shared by [Roseanna].

“The placement facilitated the link between academic knowledge, real-world experience and addressing cultural differences.”

A continuing partnership

Many of the colleagues from organisations that facilitated these placement opportunities were invited to an event hosted by Andrew Patrick at the BHC in Colombo, to celebrate this partnership working and the end of the highly successful placement.

Image caption: UEA student Roseanna Bridge at the celebratory event at the British High Commission 

Prof Coker and Dr Carroll commented: “As the partnership develops, we anticipate an extension of our collaborative work. The pathways established this year, will continue next year and beyond, bringing mutual benefits to UEA students and mental health services in Sri Lanka. A fitting way to celebrate this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October.”

Steven McGuire, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, said: “This is a wonderful collaboration that addresses so many important aspects of UEA’s work. The partnership enables our students to participate in development opportunities in several countries, enhance their skills, and address a significant health challenge.

“It is also pleasing to see how this work is underpinned by an excellent relationship with the NGO, Samutthana. The model of collaboration is truly international, and I congratulate the course team on their efforts and their success.”

3 months ago · · 0 comments

Compassion-Focused Therapy by Roseanna Bridge

On the 7th of September, Samutthana had the pleasure of organizing a highly successful workshop on Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), facilitated by Roseanna Bridge. The workshop was a well-rounded introduction to CFT, designed to provide participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills to integrate into their professional work. The day began promptly at 9:30 AM with a brief introduction to Samutthana, its mission, and the facilitator, Roseanna, who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about CFT and its therapeutic benefits.

The morning session laid the groundwork by covering the fundamental aspects of Compassion-Focused Therapy. Roseanna guided the participants through an insightful overview of what CFT is, along with the science and research that support its effectiveness. The discussion on the evidence base for CFT was particularly valuable for mental health professionals, as it helped them understand the clinical benefits of this model and its growing recognition in therapeutic settings.

The workshop also touched on trauma and its relationship with CFT, making it highly relevant for professionals working with trauma survivors. Roseanna provided a detailed psychoeducation session on the evolutionary and neurobiological model underlying CFT, explaining how human emotions and responses have evolved, and how this understanding is essential in addressing self-criticism, shame, and emotional regulation. Her explanation of the three affect systems — drive, soothing, and threat — helped participants grasp how these systems interact and impact emotional well-being, particularly in people dealing with trauma or high levels of stress. Additionally, the group discussed the common fears, blocks, and resistance individuals may face when practicing compassion towards themselves and others, and how to work through these obstacles.

The second half of the workshop shifted to a more interactive and experiential approach, allowing participants to practice some of the core compassionate mind skills. One of the highlights of this session was the “compassion letter” activity, where participants were invited to write a letter to themselves, addressing their own struggles with kindness and understanding. This exercise, along with the compassion meditation session, gave participants a chance to experience CFT tools first-hand, offering them a deeper emotional connection to the theory they had learned earlier in the day.

Roseanna’s facilitation was both engaging and supportive, ensuring that participants felt comfortable and encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the activities. The use of group exercises fostered a sense of community among the participants, allowing them to share their experiences, learn from one another, and practice the skills in a collaborative environment. These interactive components helped bring the concepts of CFT to life and reinforced the idea that compassion is not just a cognitive process but also a felt experience that can be nurtured through practice.

Samutthana ensured that participants were well taken care of, providing a delicious lunch in the afternoon as well as snacks later in the day, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for everyone involved. The day concluded with a final reflection on the skills learned and how participants could take these new tools into their personal and professional lives.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on how insightful and meaningful the session was, particularly appreciating the balance between theory and practice. The interactive elements were highlighted as particularly helpful in allowing participants to experience what it feels like to engage in CFT from the perspective of both therapist and client.

Overall, the workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to Compassion-Focused Therapy, equipping participants with practical tools to integrate into their therapeutic practice. Roseanna’s ability to break down complex ideas into approachable concepts made the content accessible to all, and her warm and interactive teaching style created a rich learning environment. We are grateful for her expertise and look forward to hosting more workshops that continue to build on this foundation.

This CFT workshop was a significant success, and Samutthana is proud to have been able to offer such a valuable experience to the mental health community.

3 months ago · · 0 comments

Mindfulness and Lifestyle Medicine by Dr Neil Lekamge, Dr Prasadi Jayathilaka & Dr Rasarie Wamalana

We recently hosted an enriching “Mindfulness and Lifestyle Medicine” workshop, led by three distinguished professionals: Dr. Neil Lekamge, Dr. Prasadi Jayathilake, and Dr. Rasarie Wimalana. The event delved into various aspects of mindfulness and lifestyle medicine, offering participants practical insights into improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Neil Lekamge kicked off the session with a focus on ‘Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)’. He explored how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for cognitive restructuring, helping individuals break free from automatic negative thinking patterns. His engaging presentation included practical exercises designed to help participants develop more conscious awareness of their thoughts and emotions, leading to better emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Following that, Dr. Prasadi Jayathilake delivered an insightful segment on ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)’. She discussed the sheer number of thoughts we have daily and compared them to those of our ancestors, who were primarily focused on survival. Dr. Prasadi explained how modern stress is linked to our “fight or flight” response and walked the participants through the physiological processes behind stress. She also touched on the exhaustion funnel, illustrating how unmanaged stress can lead to burnout. Dr. Prasadi introduced mindfulness as a powerful tool to regain control and explained concepts such as the “automatic pilot mode” versus “transform mode.” She also covered neuroplasticity, highlighting how we can influence brain structure through mindfulness. Her session concluded with the mental and physiological benefits of mindfulness, sparking an engaging Q&A where participants asked many thought-provoking questions.

Lastly, Dr. Rasarie Wimalana provided a deep dive into ‘Lifestyle Medicine’, emphasizing how lifestyle choices directly impact both physical and mental health. She discussed how incorporating healthier habits—like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management—can prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Dr. Rasarie’s presentation focused on empowering individuals to take charge of their health by integrating simple, sustainable lifestyle changes into their daily routines.

Throughout the workshop, participants were actively engaged, asking numerous questions, and sharing their experiences, making the event both interactive and insightful. The discussions were accompanied by real-life examples, helping attendees connect the concepts to their own lives. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a palpable sense of enthusiasm as everyone participated in mindfulness exercises and practical demonstrations.

This workshop was a great success, offering participants valuable tools to manage stress, improve focus, and adopt healthier habits that can lead to long-lasting well-being. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your understanding, this event provided key takeaways that can transform daily living.

Stay tuned for more workshops like this, and feel free to browse through the images of the event to capture the essence of the day.

8 months ago · · 0 comments

Passing of Our Esteemed Colleague, Diana Cunningham

It is with deep sadness that Samutthãna announces the passing away of Diana Cunningham MBE in UK on the 30th of April, after a brief illness.  An expert by experience, she has worked with UK Sri Lanka Trauma Group(UK-SLTG) and Samutthãna for over seven years on service user empowerment in Sri Lanka. A pioneer in establishing Recovery Colleges in the UK, she has been working with Samutthãna to establish this in Sri Lanka.  She made many visits to Sri Lanka on this project and was working with Samutthãna as recently as February 2024. She was an inspirational speaker and encouraged service users, to fight stigma and become visible and to organise themselves to help themselves and others. Her life story was extraordinary and an inspiration to those living with mental illness. She was passionate and worked tirelessly. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of education, peer support, and community to transform lives and create lasting change. Diana had established a reputation in Sri Lanka, and her workshops at Samutthãna and NIMH were packed to capacity. With the help of UK-SLTG and Samutthãna she formed a small working group to establish a Recovery College in Sri Lanka and we hope this group will take her dream forward and add to her legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will forever be cherished within our Samutthãna Team. We offer our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones.
May she rest in peace.

 

Mindfulness Based Interventions by Dr Neil Lekamge

9 months ago · · 0 comments

Mindfulness Based Interventions by Dr Neil Lekamge

We are delighted to share a comprehensive report on the highly successful Mindfulness Workshop conducted by Dr. Neil Lekamge on October 14th, 2023 at the Samutthana Premises in Pita Kotte. The workshop aimed to provide participants with practical tools and insights into mindfulness-based interventions for personal and professional growth.

Event Overview:
The workshop commenced at 9:00 AM and concluded at 5:00 PM, offering a full day of immersive learning and exploration into mindfulness. Attendees were welcomed to a warm and conducive environment, conducive to deepening their understanding and practice of mindfulness.

Workshop Highlights:
– Guided Mindfulness Exercises: Dr. Neil Lekamge led participants through a series of guided mindfulness exercises aimed at cultivating awareness and presence in the present moment.

– Practical Techniques: Attendees learned practical techniques and strategies for integrating mindfulness into their daily lives, enhancing their overall well-being and resilience.

– Insights: Dr. Lekamge shared his expertise and insights gained from years of experience in the field of mindfulness, providing valuable perspectives and guidance.

– Engaging Discussions: Participants engaged in meaningful group discussions, sharing their experiences and insights, and fostering a sense of community and connection.

 

Participant Feedback:
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of mindfulness and its practical applications. Attendees noted the workshop’s relevance to their professional roles and personal lives, highlighting its transformative impact.

Conclusion:
The Mindfulness Workshop with Dr. Neil Lekamge was a resounding success, empowering participants with valuable tools and insights to enhance their well-being and professional practice. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lekamge for his expertise and guidance, and to all attendees for their active participation and enthusiasm.

Thank you to everyone who participated in making this workshop a memorable and enriching experience.

9 months ago · · 0 comments

Recovery College

Welcome to the Recovery College at Samutthana!

Recovery College is a transformative approach to mental health education and support, offering a diverse range of courses and workshops designed to empower individuals on their journey to recovery and well-being. At Samutthana, we believe in the inherent resilience and potential for growth within every individual, regardless of their mental health challenges.

Our Recovery College offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment where individuals can explore topics such as self-esteem, stress management, mindfulness, and resilience. Through peer support, education, and experiential learning, participants gain valuable insights, skills, and strategies to enhance their mental health and quality of life.

Key Features of Recovery College at Samutthana:

– Co-Delivery: Learn from a team of facilitators including individuals with lived experience and mental health professionals.
– Peer Support: Connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
– Empowerment: Discover your strengths and abilities while learning practical tools and techniques to navigate life’s challenges.
– Holistic Approach: Explore a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being, addressing the mind, body, and spirit.
– Community Engagement: Engage with the broader community to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and foster social inclusion.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, recovery from mental health challenges, or simply interested in learning more about mental health and well-being, the Recovery College at Samutthana welcomes you with open arms. Join us on this journey of discovery, healing, and transformation.

Ready to get started? Explore our upcoming courses and workshops, meet our team of dedicated facilitators, and embark on a path towards greater well-being and resilience. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Contact Us:

For more information about the Recovery College at Samutthana, or to inquire about upcoming courses, workshops, and events, please feel free to reach out to us. You can contact our team via email at husnimalik94@gmail.com or by phone at +94721316884. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery and well-being, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

9 months ago · · 0 comments

DBT Skills Training

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a modified type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). “Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. Its primary objectives are to provide people the skills necessary to live in the present, regulate their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms for stressful situations, and enhance interpersonal connections.

 

This intensive training explores DBT’s theoretical basis, specific DBT interventions, and how to teach skills in individual and group settings. Familiarity with these skills and techniques along with experiential exercises will enhance your clinical skills and professional development.

Level 1: An introduction to DBT. A 3 day training course introducing professionals to the Philosophical underpinning of DBT, the key components of therapy and therapeutic communication strategies.

Level 2: Learning the DBT Skills. A 5 day course teaching professionals the DBT skills in Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.

Level 3: A DBT Masterclass. A 5 day course in developing a DBT service and exploring the 4 components of DBT in a “how to’ manner, covering individual sessions, skills group training, crisis coaching and practitioners consult.

 

To sum up, our DBT skills training course equips mental health professionals with invaluable tools to effectively support individuals dealing with emotional dysregulation and distress. With comprehensive instruction spanning beginner to advanced levels, participants will gain proficiency in various aspects of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Stay tuned for updates on the course commencement in August and details regarding intake, which we’ll promptly share across all our social media platforms. For any inquiries or further information about the program, feel free to reach out to us via our hotline or email:

Hotline: +94 72 131 6884 (09:00am – 05:00pm)
Email: husnimalik94@gmail.com / info@samutthana.org.lk

We look forward to welcoming you on this transformative journey towards enhancing mental health care in Sri Lanka.

1 year ago · · Comments Off on Professor William Yule

Professor William Yule

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague, Professor Bill Yule, who left us on 05th of November, 2023. He touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed.

Professor Bill Yule was a great friend of Samutthana and was instrumental in the negotiations with King’s College to form it. He has supported UK-SLTG and Samutthana through their existence and was a key figure in setting up the M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Colombo. He visited Sri Lanka many times to run training workshops and to consult. This is a great loss to us all and to Sri Lanka.

He was renowned internationally for his pioneering research on understanding and treating the effects of trauma on children, and helped set up the Foundation for Children and War. He was an advisor to UNICEF during the civil war in former Yugoslavia, and was part of the UK Sri Lanka Trauma Group, an international group of mental health professionals working together to find a practical way of helping Sri Lanka respond to war related trauma in the country.

May the soul of Professor Bill Yule find eternal rest.

2 years ago · · Comments Off on Case Management workshop by Dr Shanthy Parameswaran

Case Management workshop by Dr Shanthy Parameswaran

Samutthana managed to organise workshops virtually for nearly three years since the pandemic. This workshop by Dr Shanthy Parameswaran was the first physical workshop organised by Samutthana since the COVID-19.

The ‘Case Management’ workshop by Dr Shanthy was conducted on the 12th of March, 2023 at the Samutthana premises in Aunty Cookie’s Café. The workshop gave the a thorough understanding of the various case management styles for the professionals who attended. The workshop was highly beneficial for both trainee counsellors and professional counsellors as they became aware of the effectiveness of different minds working together on a case. The budding and aspiring counsellors, after participating in the session, gained confidence in their pursuit of becoming successful counsellors. The session was a wonderful learning experience for those looking for a thorough understanding about different types of cases and managing them with ease.

The workshop was a success even though it had only a handful of people due to few participants that could not attend it at the last moment. Almost all the queries regarding case management were solved in this 2-hour session and all the participants were enriched with the necessary strategies they need to improve in counselling. All the essential aspects of counselling and case management were discussed in this session. Some of them are:

  • Good communication
  • Listening skills
  • Confidentiality
  • Empathy and understanding
  • Non-judgemental approach

The participants were also privileged to learn some of the vital aspects of counselling, such as:

  • Generalising
  • Identification
  • Musing
  • Pre-empting

Interactive Session

The course was organised in an interactive way where participants came up with a few questions as per their ability and understanding. This unique feature of the session made it a more interesting one.

Feedback

The feedback of the participants on the workshop went beyond our expectation. Since, Dr Shanthy, an expert herself, shared all her knowledge and experience on case management and counselling for the benefit of the aspiring counsellors; there is no doubt that the workshop session will be a successful one.

Images from the workshop

     

4 years ago · · Comments Off on Helping frontline workers cope with stress during COVID-19: actions for team leads

Helping frontline workers cope with stress during COVID-19: actions for team leads

Going to work during the COVID-19 pandemic has placed front-line workers under immense and unprecedented pressures, putting their physical, mental and social well-being at risk. Staff under excessive or prolonged stress become more prone to frequent absence from work or reduced productivity while at work, accidents and mistakes. In the COVID-19 pandemic, this may mean compromised quality and safety of care, breach of protocols and guidelines, increased risk of infections, and compromised capacity of the health system and emergency response teams to fight the pandemic.

While front-line workers have the responsibility of caring for themselves and verbalising their needs and concerns, many of the efforts to prevent and reduce stress and care for mental health of front-line workers must be made by organisations, managers and health administrators.

Five steps to a mentally healthy workplace

Step 1: Show your commitment

– Declare that mental health is a priority to your organisation, starting from the very top.

Step 2: Assess the situation

– Start by assessing the work stressors and mental health needs in the workplace.

Step 3: Make an action plan

– Translate your assessment into a reasonable and practical action plan with set targets and clear indicators to measure progress.

Step 4: Implement and evaluate

– Put your plan to action with clear milestones and targets.

Step 5: Learn and mainstream

– Use regular evaluations to make the needed adjustments. Mainstream your mental health action plan into a clear written policy.

Actions team leads can take to help front-line workers cope with stress during COVID-19

Prepare them for the job

– They must have a clear understanding of their own roles and responsibilities.

– Adequate training must be provided on occupational health and safety topics (e.g. use of Personal Protective Equipment and Infection Protection and Control measures as well as technical training needed to perform their duties (e.g. the latest guidelines and procedures for assessing, triaging and treating patients).

Help them care for themselves

– Provide them with information on stress, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and when to seek further support.

– Equip them with tools and techniques for self-care and stress management and encourage workers to practice these healthy coping strategies regularly.

Protect them on the job

– Provide front-line workers with sufficient Personal Protective Equipment and Infection Protection and Control supplies to protect themselves from infection.

– Protect them from incidents of harassment and violence, including physical as well as legal protection.

– Protect and uphold their rights.

Create a healthy work environment

– Tackle the sources of stress by ensuring appropriate work hours and workload, sufficient breaks between shifts, and that tasks are well-matched to skills and experience-level.

– Consider rotating staff between high-stress and low-stress tasks to distribute pressures.

– Give workers access to the tools they need to deliver safe and high-quality care or services.

– Use regular written communications and team meetings to check-in with workers and keep them up to date with the latest technical tools and guidelines or other pertinent information.

– Use these meetings to also foster team cohesion, and allow front-line workers to voice their concerns or needs, or participate in decision-making in a meaningful way.

Be a good role model

– Adhere to health and safety guidelines.

– Practice healthy coping strategies by taking work breaks, demonstrating healthy habits (diet, hydration, physical activity) and avoiding the use of tobacco, alcohol or other substances.

– Set the tone by caring for yourself. Maintain a healthy work-life balance and practice the stress-management and relaxation techniques that are recommended.

Encourage peer support

– Create a formal or informal platform where peers can share knowledge and provide basic psycho-social support through peer networks, under the supervision of mental health and psycho-social support professionals.

– Establish a buddy-system that allows pairing of inexperienced front-line workers with their more experienced workers, thus providing professional support.

Be perceptive and supportive

– Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout, and practice active listening and supportive communication when you approach the front-line workers you are concerned about.

– Pay extra attention to front-line workers who have pre-existing physical or mental health conditions or disabilities, who are facing challenges in their personal lives and those who lack social support.

Give feedback and recognition

– Give front-line workers constructive feedback on their work, highlighting their good performance and opportunities to improve.

– Show appreciation for hard work, and give public recognition to teams and individuals for their service. Small gestures and rewards can go a long way in boosting confidence and staff morale.

Make services available

– Make sure further mental health and psycho-social support services are available for front-line workers who need them, and that they are aware that they can access services confidentially.

– Front-line workers need to also have access to mental health care facilities in case of crisis situations, and psychotropic medications need to be made available to them if they are needed.

Note: This article was shared by World Health Organisation (WHO). Original link is attached below.

http://www.emro.who.int/mnh/news/helping-frontline-workers-cope-with-stress-during-covid-19-a-resource-for-team-leads.html

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