Views of Psychological Counselors Involved in Post-Earthquake Psychosocial Support Activities Regarding the Support Process

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to reveal the views and recommendations of guidance counselors involved in psychosocial support activities regarding the support process after the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş, known as one of most catastrophic disasters of the century. The research is structured in the form of a case study design, which is one of the qualitative research types. The study group consists of 21 participants who are psychological counselors working in Samsun and who volunteered to provide psychosocial support by travelling to the earthquake-affected region. In the research, a demographic information form and a semi-structured interview form were used as data collection tools. The research data were analyzed using the content analysis method. The research data were categorized into three themes: process, coping skills, and recommendations. In the research, it was determined that guidance counselors involved in psychosocial support activities were affected by trauma, therefore, it is essential to emphasize preventive mental health studies for those involved in psychosocial support activities and volunteers who want to contribute to the support process should be strengthened through pre-process training before the process.