PACE Interventions
Our work to provide psychoanalytical assistance to people and communities in crisis is carried out in a number of ways:
Work Discussion Groups (WDG, Marthe Harris, Tavistock model)
Our aim with these groups is to expand the benefits of psychoanalytic thinking to professionals or volunteers who are directly impacted by their assistance in global emergencies, with learning from experience as its main objective. It is hoped that this will help to contain the spectrum of emotions triggered by working in catastrophic situations in different contexts (hospitals, schools, community centers, etc.).
Brief psychoanalytic interventions
This strategy offers the opportunity to intervene directly with people affected by vulnerable situations, offering a small number of interviews (4-8). These consultations allow us to assess the mental state of the person in need. It is a process of support and helps the patient to connect with their emotions and internal resources. Through these individual consultations, we also assess whether it is necessary to recommend further therapy and, if so, refer to the relevant specialists. We rely on psychoanalytic Societies in each region to provide this type of support in person.
Education for workers (within healthcare, education, and other settings providing care)
This may include clinical seminars, and supervision groups. The aim is to provide “help to helpers”, supporting those who provide support to develop their resources in order to better assist the affected population. It includes:
- Courses (which can include WDG and theoretical lessons)
- Theoretical - Practical Seminars on specific topics according to the emergency situation.
- Clinical Supervision Groups.
Provision of pertinent bibliographical references
We publish a regularly-updated bibliography of psychoanalytic articles and books dealing with the subject of crisis intervention around the world. This reference list, along with content summaries of some of the articles, is published on the IPA website,
here.