The Department of Psychology at the School of Arts, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), recently conducted a specialised training program aimed at equipping postgraduate students and alumni of the Clinical Psychology Master’s Program with practical tools to support families of individuals missing due to armed conflict.
Held from July 6 to 8, 2025, the intensive program was led by Psychologist Rubina Tahmazian, with the participation of Coaches Bayan Atiyat and Samah Al Bayyaa. Through interactive sessions, participants explored the emotional and social challenges associated with ambiguous loss, a term describing the uncertainty and unresolved grief experienced by families when a loved one disappears or remains missing for a prolonged period.
The training focused on culturally responsive methods of psychosocial support, enabling participants to develop sensitive and informed approaches tailored to the needs of affected communities.
Chairman of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Marwan Al Zoubi, highlighted the value of such initiatives in bridging academic learning with real-world application, extending his appreciation to the ICRC for responding to the department’s invitation and supporting a program that introduced innovative practices while fostering strong student engagement.
Al Zoubi also commended the coaching team for their dynamic delivery and for translating theoretical models into actionable strategies, noting that participants’ feedback reflected deep involvement and professional growth throughout the three-day training.
This initiative is part of the department’s broader efforts to strengthen field training and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to mental health services in humanitarian and crisis-affected contexts.