Group Therapist

Background information on War Child

Around the world, hundreds of millions of children are living with the effects of war and conflict. Separated from their homes, schools and loved ones, many are overwhelmed by manifestations of distress. We may never be able to take away all the pain that comes with war. But we can create space where children can heal. Through our creative and evidence-based approach, we work exclusively to enhance the innate resilience of children and their communities. We are a rights-based organization which means we also advocate with and on behalf of children to ensure their fundamental rights are upheld. Children’s right to learn; to food, water, a safe place to rest their head at night, are all inextricably linked to their right to mental health. We remind governments and other influential actors of the scope of their commitments.

War Child in Lebanon is active across all governates. We are currently in more than 40 locations including the most vulnerable areas of the country. We partner with local NGOs and grassroots organizations to co-create our projects and strengthen their capacity. Our goal is to reach as many children as possible through our programming.

With offices in Beirut and Tripoli, War Child has been working in Lebanon since 2007 and has a long-established partnership with other international NGOs, Lebanese NGOs, CBOs, and communities in the country. Through the community-based approach embedded in all of its programming, it has been able to effectively access vulnerable hard-to-reach populations, both refugee and Lebanese and foster existing local initiatives, in line with the commitment to strengthen local capacity. Since 2013, War Child has worked with a number of partners, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA), UNICEF, UNESCO, ECHO, OCHA, the EU and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our national partners include, AND, LOST, Al Ribat, Nabad etc. War Child Lebanon work revolves around contributing to the wellbeing of the children, caregivers and communities, provide quality education for out of school children, support to children at risk of drop out, developing the capacity of teachers and identify, refer and integrate out of school children into the formal education system. All this is done under a Child Protection umbrella.

Rationale and Purpose

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to enhance the overall well-being of our staff by addressing the psychological challenges they face in their professional and personal lives. Given the demanding nature of our work, and the stressors that our country is facing, it is essential to provide regular mental health support to foster a healthy and productive workplace. These group therapy sessions will serve as a proactive measure to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote emotional resilience, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and cohesive work environment.

Objective

The objective of this initiative is to provide staff with a safe space to discuss their mental health, share experiences, and receive professional support. The therapist will lead the group through structured discussions and activities aimed at enhancing psychological well-being.

Scope of Work

• Facilitation: The therapist will facilitate 3-hour group therapy sessions once a month for two groups of 8 people each.
• Location: Sessions will be held in Beirut, with an option to conduct them online if necessary.
• Group Dynamics: Each group will consist of up to 8 participants. The therapist will create an environment that encourages open communication and mutual support among participants.
• Content: Sessions will focus on topics such as stress management, emotional resilience, and coping strategies, tailored to the needs of the participants.
• Follow-up: The therapist will provide brief reports after each session summarizing key themes and any recommendations for further support.

Deliverables

• Monthly 3-hour group therapy sessions for each group (2 sessions total).
• Brief reports after each session, including participant feedback and any recommended actions.

Timeline

• The contract will be till December 2024, with sessions taking place once a month.

Budget

• The estimated cost for each session is to be provided in the proposal.

Qualifications

• Licensed therapist with experience in group therapy and mental health support.
• Familiarity with issues related to stress, trauma, and resilience in the workplace.
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to create a safe, supportive environment for participants.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume, a cover letter, and a brief proposal outlining their approach to group therapy and their experience in this field, in addition to the budget estimation per session.

Deadline for applications: Tuesday September 24, 2024