One year after the cataclysmic explosion of the Beirut Port on August 4 2020, the humanitarian needs remains evident. Mental health care is crucial to help women and families overcome the psychological trauma of this tragedy. Intisar Foundation launched free Drama Therapy programs across Beirut to provide psychological support to women impacted by the blast. Through Drama Therapy we help the women of Beirut become self-empowered to lead better lives and create Peace in the Arab world.
The Beirut Port explosion has left hundreds dead, thousands injured, caused billions of Dollars in losses and will inevitably impact the psychological wellbeing of women. The expensive private health care system and low number of mental health professionals compound the mental health crisis in Lebanon. Psychosocial support is one of the first steps towards ensuring a better future for women, as their mental health is a critical element in the wellbeing of their families and communities.
Drama therapy is the only psychological intervention that tackles all three components of trauma body, emotions, and the mind. It's also a non-stigmatizing approach, gentle and efficient therapy at the same time. During our drama therapy sessions, our agents of Peace witness and rehearse other ways of dealing with their present difficulties, starting to see themselves and others in a new light, and developing long-term habits which make them confident about the future.
Initial projections show that Intisar Foundation can reach over 2,000 women in 12 months and up to 12,000 indirect beneficiaries through its Drama Therapy program. The Drama therapy sessions will be administered in a group setting of up to 10-12 women per group, this drastically increases the number of direct beneficiaries in a very short period of time.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
