Hundreds of psychologists help Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands voluntarily, according to the World Psychologists Foundation. Among them are also Ukrainian therapists. They are often well-educated, but do not yet get a paid job as a psychologist. While they can offer a solution for the group of Ukrainian refugees who need more than what a volunteer can offer.
As chairman and co-founder of World Psychologists, Gea Dunnik is impressed by the six hundred volunteer psychologists for Ukrainians. “It is heartwarming. We have actually set up a small voluntary mental health institution. But without a waiting list.”
Every day a few Ukrainians register with World Psychologists. Sleeping problems, anxiety and grief are common complaints. Within two weeks, the foundation links a refugee to a psychologist. “It flows well thanks to the many volunteers,” says Dunnik.
The pool consists of people who have obtained at least a master’s degree in psychology. Most of the volunteers are Dutch, but there are also Ukrainian therapists among them. The foundation has interpreters at its disposal. “They’re basic psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists,” Dunnik says. “They receive guidance from colleagues who are familiar with the psychological problems of war victims.
Adults follow digital EMDR therapy
Ukrainian refugees have often experienced traumatic experiences. That is why a number of Ukrainian psychologists receive training in giving EMDR therapy. “EMDR is one of the best proven treatments for trauma processing,” Dunnik says.
“In addition, this can also be done digitally, so remotely,” she continues. “Clients then look at a screen, for example, where they see a ball that rolls back and forth. The point is that they tax their working memory while they process their memories.”
Whatever the volunteers do, it’s the so-called watchful waiting† “They keep an eye on the refugees, keep talking and give them attention,” Dunnik explains. That may be enough to prevent worse symptoms.
Ukrainian psychologists have more experience and training
But for Ukrainians who do need medication or heavier therapy, the current health care system falls short, according to psychotherapist and founder of PsyGlobal Esther Haaijema. The mental health care system struggles with waiting lists and has hardly any offer for people who do not speak the Dutch language.
PsyGlobal links international psychologists to Dutch mental health institutions to help non-Dutch speaking patients. These psychologists largely work online from the country of origin. “It’s different with Ukrainians because a large group is physically here, which should only make cooperation easier,” says Haijema.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian psychologists in the Netherlands are eager to get started. “They also want to earn their living,” says Haaijema. Dunnik also sees that the refugees want to do something. “Most Ukrainians have enormous resilience and want to get started quickly. Their president is a good example of the enthusiasm of Ukrainians.”
“It is more difficult on the Dutch side,” says Haaijema. She is trying to accommodate Ukrainian psychologists in mental health institutions. “So far, five Ukrainians are employed by five smaller institutions across the country.” They work eight hours a week.
“We still have thirty people ready whose diplomas are in order,” says Haaijema. According to her, they often have more experience and a longer education than their Dutch colleagues. “Three quarters speak English. But large mental health institutions are still reluctant to hire them. We really hope they will open their doors.”
Afghan psychologists have their hands full with compatriots
A spokesperson for the Dutch mental health sector association says that large institutions have shown interest in Ukrainian psychologists. “At the moment a working group has been set up to investigate how we can use them formally. Because it is new, there are challenges. How do you deal with the language of reporting, for example?”
According to Haijema, there is in any case a great need for Ukrainian therapists. “There are many refugees who need more help than they can get now. There are also Syrian and Afghan psychologists working in the Netherlands, and they are overcrowded. They have a huge target group to serve.”