As part of the Panalipod Program, Mindanao Climate Justice (MCJ), in collaboration with the MLAC Institute for Psychosocial Services—founded by National Social Scientist Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang—and Freedom House Philippines, hosted two mental health and well-being sessions on September 7, 2024, and October 16, 2024. These sessions aimed to strengthen the mental health and psychosocial well-being of human rights defenders (HRDs) within MCJ and across the communities it supports. This initiative aligns with MCJ’s commitment to providing holistic, community-driven support to HRDs, particularly those in marginalized and Indigenous communities facing both rights violations and climate change impacts. The workshops introduced essential skills such as basic counseling, creative expression, and self-reflection, tailored to the needs of MCJ staff and HRDs.
Workshop 1: Trauma and Psychosocial Care
The first workshop introduced foundational concepts in trauma and psychosocial care tailored to HRDs. Facilitators began with the “Multi-Dimensional Impact of Trauma,” exploring how trauma manifests across physical, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions. Drawing on Judith Herman’s framework, trauma was described as a protective response to unbearable pain—a “normal reaction to an abnormal event.” Participants discussed how unresolved trauma could influence their worldview and responses, potentially “fossilizing” if left unaddressed.
Another critical concept discussed was Trauma Stewardship, which emphasizes recognizing how exposure to trauma affects helpers. This model encourages HRDs to:
- Acknowledge the impact of trauma exposure.
- Create space for personal processing and self-care.
- Honor others’ hardships mindfully while maintaining boundaries.
This approach fostered discussions on being fully present for others while protecting one’s mental health. Participants also explored the 8 Psychological Needs Model, which promotes self-awareness by encouraging individuals to examine their core needs. This framework prioritizes self-reflection, helping HRDs connect deeply with themselves and others.
Reflective activities followed the theoretical discussions. Online participants completed their exercises on time, while in-person participants, including Mindanao-based HRDs, engaged in a longer, open-ended discussion that evolved into an impromptu group counseling session. Facilitators supported this extended sharing, emphasizing the importance of compassionate listening and flexibility in co-creating safe spaces.
Workshop 2: Practical Skills and Creative Expression
The second workshop expanded on the first, focusing on practical skills in basic counseling and creative expression to equip HRDs with effective, empathetic approaches for their communities. Under the theme, “Mental Health is a Collective Responsibility: Building Sustainable Practices in Mental Health and Well-Being in Our Organization/Community,” the workshop emphasized collective care. Facilitators anchored the session with a quote by Cole Arthur Riley: “The oppressor can never be trusted as historian. Our task is preservation. Collective memory is a liberation practice. Remember and tell it.” This reinforced the belief that mental health is a fundamental human right and that sharing stories can be acts of resistance and healing.
The workshop began with a grounding exercise involving breathing and personal mantras. Facilitators introduced the Indigenous concept of pakikipag-kapwa damdamin, translating to “fellowship of feeling.” This cultural concept emphasizes collective care and healing, surpassing mere empathy. Participants then learned basic counseling skills and discussed barriers to effective listening. They reflected on questions like, “What can I give this person without compromising myself?”, emphasizing self-awareness and readiness as crucial to effective counseling.
A Creative Expression Activity followed, encouraging participants to use creativity as a tool for emotional release and stress management. Participants then engaged in a Counseling Workshop, practicing real-life scenarios in small teams. Facilitators provided personalized feedback, highlighting strengths and offering suggestions for improvement. They emphasized that mental health care is not exclusive to professionals and that HRDs themselves hold the resilience and hope needed to foster well-being.
Reflections and Next Steps
Participants noted the relevance of the practical tools provided and appreciated adjustments made after the first workshop, such as language adaptations – bisaya/tagalog translations. These changes enhanced understanding and engagement, making the sessions more accessible and impactful.
The Psychosocial Support Protocols project has laid a strong foundation for integrating mental health support into the daily resilience efforts of HRDs, particularly in Indigenous communities across Mindanao. Collaboration with the MLAC Institute and support from Freedom House Philippines were instrumental in this initiative. MLAC’s practical, hands-on approach resonated with participants, while Freedom House’s resources ensured the project’s success.
As MCJ continues to refine these protocols, this initiative represents a vital step toward creating sustainable, community-centered mental health support systems. By combining local practices with professional insights, these protocols aim to foster lasting resilience among HRDs, ensuring that their lived experiences guide every step of the process.
Given the limited number of mental health professionals in the Philippines and the increasing demand for psychosocial interventions due to the challenging conditions faced by human rights defenders (HRDs), initiatives like this workshop can help bridge the gap by fostering collective care and nurturing healthier communities.
