Musarrat Kazepis, our Special Programs Manager, Maha Ghatasheh from The Institute for Family Health in Jordan, and I are in Lebanon to explore possibilities for working with local organizations to meet the needs of Lebanon’s one million war-traumatized Syrian refugees. On our first day, we met with representatives of The American University of Beirut and the Aga Khan Foundation, as … Read More
Drawing pictures of hope
On the fourth day, we do our second set of drawings and compare them with the first. In his hoped for future, the Syrian refugee draws himself back in his home, taking his rightful place, rebuilding. The Palestinian has “stopped the clock.” No longer trapped by the past or worrying about the future, he draws a winding river: “going with … Read More
In the home of Syrian refugees
As part of CMBM’s trip to Jordan, James Gordon, MD stopped by the home of a refugee family. The experience was profound.
Strength from family – past and present
On the third day, we do genograms, family trees, and share them. We’re looking not only for patterns of disease and distress, as mental health professionals usually do, but also for strengths that can sustain us, for ancestors and contemporaries who can inspire us to deal with present challenges. The Syrian refugee sees himself getting wise counsel from his mother … Read More
Meditating and finding solutions
Meditation is the focus of this third installment in James Gordon, MD’s six part narrative of our work in Jordan for Syrian refugees.
From grief and stress to laughter
Part two in James Gordon, MD’s narrative of our work with Syrian refugee aid workers and refugee leaders in Jordan.
Working with Syrian refugee leaders and caregivers in Jordan
The first installment in a six-part summary of our trip to Jordan to work with Syrian refugee leaders and those who provide care, James Gordon, MD relays his experience with this special group of individuals.