Institute of Psychotraumatology

Overview

The Institute of Psychotraumatology at the School of Arts and Sciences at LAU is committed to the advancement of the scientific understanding and practical approaches to trauma, particularly war trauma and political conflict. The institute aims to serve as a resource reference for clinicians, researchers, students and policymakers, as well as individuals directly impacted by trauma. Its mission is to integrate psychological, social and political scientific knowledge to enhance mental health outcomes, promote human rights, support the resilience and recovery of individuals and communities affected by violence and conflicts and train psychology students through research-based, culturally sensitive psychological interventions.

Vision

The Institute of Psychotraumatology envisions a society where individuals affected by generations of wars and political conflicts can access not only culturally adapted psychological support but also psychotherapy informed by methodologically sound research on local data and cultural norms. Being one of the few psychotraumatology institutes in the Arab world, the Institute of Psychotraumatology aims to lead in trauma research, education and advocacy to shape a future where healing and mental health are the building blocks of the future of our society. This vision reflects LAU’s dedication to fostering intellectual growth, social awareness and ethical responsibility through rigorous scientific inquiries and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Goals

• Advance research in trauma and conflict psychology by conducting groundbreaking (multidisciplinary) research on trauma resulting from war, political conflicts and social crises, focusing on civilians and other affected populations in Lebanon and the Middle East.
• Develop evidence-based interventions by innovating and refining clinical interventions through knowledge addition to the existing classification systems (DSM and ICD), including psychodynamic and CBT methods, to better address the complex needs of war-affected individuals and communities.
• Promote public education and advocacy by increasing public awareness of trauma and resilience through community outreach, educational materials, workshops and engagement with policymakers, in turn supporting LAU’s commitment to impactful social change.
• Cultivate interdisciplinary knowledge by integrating insights from psychology, sociology, media studies and political science to develop a holistic understanding of trauma, thereby fostering an academic environment that embodies LAU’s spirit of intellectual rigor and cross-disciplinary learning.
• Support national and regional policy development by influencing policy decisions on trauma and mental health care through evidence-based recommendations that align with LAU’s goal of producing knowledge that shapes regional and global development.