Forming Therapeutic Relationships

• Be aware of the situation first when you arrive at the scene.
• Make an introduction to your name and workplace, and briefly describe your role and purpose of visit.
• Explain that you are working within the official system.
• Obtain survivor’s consent first and have a conversation.
• Move to a quiet place for confidentiality.
• Establish the  contact by providing practical assistance like food, water and blankets.
• The first contact should be made when the survivor can comfortably accommodate the relief worker.
• Be patient in a calm manner and actively respond to the survivors and be sensitive to their needs.
• Find out how survivors behaved to protect themselves and recognize them as strengths.
• Provide the necessary information according to the age, and if you are communicating through a interpreter, look at and talk to the survivor, not at interpreter.
• Do not address traumatic experiences or mourning reactions.
• Look at urgent problems and deal with medical issues that require immediate treatment.