1. Psychotherapists’ engagement in social context and out of the therapy room NVAGT Congress, Antwerp, Oct.18 th 2015 Ivana Vidaković ividakovic@ian.org.rs

2. Content How I became interested for Gestalt psychotherapy and its social application Reflections on some recent social events from gestalt perspective. How to include more social, economic and political perspectives in gestalt psychotherapy training? 2

3. War and conflicts in the Balkan region The former Yugoslavia fell apart through War in Croatia (1991 – 1995) War in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992 – 1995) War in Kosovo and NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia (1999) Specific features in Inter-ethnic background Proximity of war events and range of the population affected Brutality and inhuman and cruel treatments, torture, ethnic cleansing 3

4. Wars and displacements in the Balkan region Out of 23.5 millions of inhabitants of the SFRY 3.7millions (15.83 %), i.e. every sixth citizen, became a refugee or internally displaced/IDP. By war regions: – Croatia 15.58% – Bosnia 51.08% – Kosovo 47.7% Serbia, with population of 8millions, accepted around 1million (750,000 refugees and 275,000 IDPs.) 4

5. 1995 5

6. 6

7. What we have learned while working with refugees Programs and interventions in war affected areas have to be: Based of the needs of clients and communities that change during the time Sensitive for cultural and individual diversity Pro-active – in the offices, but also in the community, through the field visits, in collective centers and beneficiaries’ homes Flexible, pragmatic, eclectic With realistic goals, for prevention of burnouts Multidisciplinary and cooperative– working in teams, networking with other organizations and institutions Documented and evaluated, with research and advocacy component for influencing decision makers With awareness of the context and Social, Political Cultural and Ethical implications of our work 7

8. http://www.ian.org.rs/publications available in English and free for download 8

9. Floods, 2014 9

10. Floods, points to be taken: Recognise already existing examples of community involvement and social responsibility among students Allow exchange of information, expression and exploration of different positions & perspectives. Facilitate dialogue. Provide gestalt framework for understanding individual and social experiences in the on-going process. 10

11. Ukraine, 2014 11

12. Ukraine, points to be taken: Be aware of the field; the wider context/background and what is emerging “here and now” in the space between us Follow the process, be flexible to change strategy according to recognized immediate needs Recognise limits Do not take the power from the others, share responsibilities for the outcomes Engage internal resources and expertise, strengthen the existing capacity Look for more systematic and long term strategy, build continuity and the support systems 12