Psychologists’ actions in disaster situations: Reflections based on practice

Abstract

From a series of work experiences in disaster situations, especially in the mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in early 2011, this paper aims to present some reflections regarding the actions of psychologists in the context of disasters. It begins with a brief historical-institutional summary of this issue in Brazil and then presents some conceptual and practical reflections on mental health in this regard. Lastly, it discusses the principles and guidelines for interventions in disaster situations, with the backdrop of the scenario in the state of Rio de Janeiro in January 2011. The aim is to argue that interventions by psychologists in the context of disasters need to be linked with interventions of other types, contextualized and detached from the notion of trauma as the main operator in the clinical approach.