Post Genocide Mental Health Research

Would you like to be part of something special and contribute to a groundbreaking project?

Lynne Barnett is a final year PhD researcher exploring the impact of a counselling education programme in a post-genocide nation (Cambodia). In 2017 Lynne successfully developed and led a pilot counselling training programme in Phnom Penh. The programme was halted due to covid-19 and currently remains on hold. Completion of Lynne’s PhD would support the realisation of a permanent counselling programme in Cambodia. She has successfully completed the first two years of study but there is no funding available for the final year. Without your help this work will not be completed.

This PhD study is a catalyst for change, providing evidence of the impact locally and the need to decolonise the counselling curriculum, building a strong foundation for sustainability. This is not only relevant in Cambodia but as part of global mental health.

One person alone cannot make this happen, it takes a community, and only by many people playing their part can this be delivered. Your help is needed to bring this to fruition.

Please read on for full details of the background to this research.

Lynne has 20 years of volunteer involvement in Cambodia with over 6 years spent as an expat in the country.

Cambodia is a country living with a history of oppression and Genocide, which has resulted in communities impacted by trust issues and intergenerational trauma. Traditionally, no formal counselling training has been available outside of short workshop courses run by NGOs, which were based on Western techniques and not aligned to local culture. Further research has confirmed the need for a professional, Cambodian-led counselling course.

Lynne developed a 2-year part-time counselling training programme alongside Cambodian colleagues. After approaching a university in Phnom Penh, the programme was accepted and the pilot began in 2017, running until 2020. Two cohorts of students graduated from the programme, but due to covid-19 and financial constraints the programme was halted.

The pilot programme appeared successful, with positive feedback on the enhanced mental wellbeing and relationships, both on the part of former students and wider communities.

The sustainable relaunch of this programme requires the backing of Lynne’s academic research, evidencing the role of counselling in the healing of intergenerational trauma and the necessity of a culturally sensitive curriculum, outside of the realm of NGOs.

Please donate to help fund this crucial study.

All remaining donated monies following payment of study fees will be put towards sponsoring counselling students in Cambodia.