In 2020, a series of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) trainings were conducted for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq. Developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian needs, these trainings were designed to enhance the practical skills, psychological resilience, and remote care capacity of frontline staff working under pressure.

One core component of the training series focused on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This module introduced TF-CBT as a structured and evidence-based approach for addressing trauma in children, adolescents, and adults. Built around the PRACTICE model, the training offered a step-by-step guide for clinical implementation in displacement-affected and low-resource environments. Key areas included trauma narration, affective regulation, psychoeducation, and adapting TF-CBT techniques for humanitarian fieldwork.

To address the unique psychological toll faced by staff during the pandemic, a specialized training on Supporting the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Frontline Workers was also delivered. This session explored the cumulative stress, burnout, and moral injury that many frontline workers experience, particularly in crisis contexts. Staff learned self-regulation techniques, stress management tools, and strategies to promote psychological safety, internal stability, and peer-based resilience. A strong emphasis was placed on reflective practice, emotional grounding, and integrating well-being into the broader team culture.

As movement restrictions and quarantine measures became the norm, a third module on Remote Psychological First Aid (PFA) was introduced. This training adapted the core principles of Psychological First Aid for remote delivery through phone, video, and messaging platforms. Participants gained practical tools to offer emotional stabilization, assess risk, and provide support at a distance, while maintaining ethical and culturally sensitive care practices in virtual formats.

Together, these trainings equipped IOM Iraq’s frontline teams with scalable, trauma-informed tools and resilience strategies—ensuring continued, compassionate care in the face of unprecedented global and regional challenges.