The Training on Psychological First Aid for faculty and administrative staff took place on 07 August 2024, at the Institute’s Multipurpose Room. Facilitated by experts from UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ), the training aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to provide immediate psychological support to individuals in distress, thereby enhancing mental well-being and resilience within the Institute.
The workshop featured a team of specialists from UP PsycServ, including Dr. Divine Love A. Salvador, Director; Ms. Jenina Borromeo, Psychosocial Support Specialist; Ms. Jemima Cabanlong, Psychosocial Support Specialist; Ms. Vera Marie Ayo, Senior Psychological Assistant; and Ms. Melissa Anne Odtohan, Junior Psychological Assistant. Their collective expertise ensured participants received comprehensive guidance in both theoretical concepts and practical skills.
Designed to inform participants about policies and guidelines for delivering psychosocial support, the training covered common mental health issues and strategies for timely intervention. The workshop focused on developing skills to recognize mental health concerns, offer immediate assistance, and refer individuals for professional help when needed.
The session began with an introduction to Psychological First Aid (PFA), emphasizing the provision of humane, supportive, and practical assistance to those experiencing stress or crisis. Participants thoroughly discussed and practiced the steps of PFA—preparation, observation, engagement, ensuring safety, stabilizing the situation, gathering information, offering help, and connecting individuals with social support—through role-playing exercises and real-life scenarios, fostering an interactive and hands-on learning environment.
Participants also learned essential skills to become effective lifelines for others, such as active listening, tracking emotional cues, and identifying problems. Role-playing exercises enabled them to practice observing non-verbal cues and reflecting on feelings, which are critical for providing emotional support.
The training concluded with a discussion on referrals, highlighting the importance of recognizing when professional help is necessary. Participants were trained to identify warning signs, such as deteriorating functioning, persistent maladaptive behavior, and potential threats to life or safety.
The Psychological First Aid Training provided a valuable learning experience for faculty and staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to better support students and colleagues in times of need, ultimately contributing to a safer and more compassionate university environment.
NIGS Faculty and Staff with experts from UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ) Dr. Divine Love A. Salvador, Director; Ms. Jenina Borromeo, Psychosocial Support Specialist; Ms. Jemima Cabanlong, Psychosocial Support Specialist; Ms. Vera Marie Ayo, Senior Psychological Assistant; and Ms. Melissa Anne Odtohan, Junior Psychological Assistant during the Psychological First Aid Training.
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