CVT International Services works in areas where conflict and torture has resulted in widespread devastation of the community. When political violence intentionally destroys a community, the society itself must heal before peace and democracy can flourish. Healing survivors of torture and war trauma is integral to the process or rebuilding. CVT International Services provides mental health services in an effective, efficient and sustainable manner so that survivors of torture and trauma can resume their life.  CVT targets those communities with high numbers of survivors and few sources of help such as in post conflict or refugee camp situations.  While working directly with survivors, CVT is also helping build the infrastructure to meet the mental health needs beyond the tenure of this project.

Healing people, healing the community

CVT serves the mental health needs of individuals and the community in several ways.

Community Sensitization: Raises awareness of the prevalence and effects of torture to help community members know how they can help each other and identify potential clients

Individual Counseling: For people who can't attend group counseling or need more privacy, individual counseling sessions are available.

Small Group Counseling: The core healing service offered by CVT is small group counseling. Torture and trauma survivors meet for 10 weeks. The groups are structured by age and gender to better address issues.

Psychosocial Activities: To promote healing and community building, CVT coordinates non-counseling activities such as games, drama, arts and crafts, and athletics.

Training Activities: CVT trains religious leaders, teachers, caregivers, and staff from other NGOs about the effects of torture and trauma.

Training Para-Professionals
Because of the high concentration of survivors, CVT trains local para-professionals to facilitate the healing process and counseling sessions. Professional psychologists, social workers and other experts in the field of torture and trauma rehabilitation train the Psychosocial Agents (PSAs). The PSAs receive over 30 weeks of training, beginning with observing counseling sessions and ultimately leading group sessions.

CVT works with other NGOs to develop an effective referral system. Ultimately, we hope to leave in place a functioning independent mental health care agency, then work with this partner organization as we do with other torture treatment centers worldwide.

CVT is currently working in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For more information about International Services, download this fact sheet or frequently asked questions handout here. (PDF)