University of Duhok (UoD)

4th International Conference at UOD: Advancing Psychology and Mental Health

Dec. 16, 2024, 8:53 a.m.

The University of Duhok recently hosted the 4th International Conference, titled “Psychology and Psychotherapy for the Future: Together in Hope,” from November 2–4, 2024, at the University Convention Center. The event brought together global experts and scholars from multiple countries to discuss advancements in psychotherapy, trauma recovery, and mental health care. Co-organized by the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology (IPP) at the University of Duhok, the Institute of Transcultural Health Science at DHBW University in Germany, and the Civil Peace Service of German International Cooperation (GIZ), the conference fostered interdisciplinary dialogue on critical mental health issues.

On November 2, prior to the official start of the conference, participants visited local refugee camps and the Yazidi holy temple in Lalish. This provided attendees with firsthand insights into the region’s challenges and the psychosocial needs of its populations.

The conference officially opened on November 3 with speeches by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok; Mr. Majid Saed Salih, Deputy Governor of Duhok; and Albrecht von Wittke, the German General Consul in Erbil. Distinguished guests included Axel Grafmanns from GIZ, Prof. Dr. Jan Ilhan Kizilhan, Dean of the IPP, and several international mental health experts.

Following the opening ceremony, the conference featured eight panels addressing key topics such as psychological disorder treatment, trauma response, and the psychosocial effects of mass violence. Presentations by local and global experts provided critical insights into the most pressing challenges in the fields of psychology and psychotherapy.

Key Panels and Discussions

November 3:

Panel 1: Psychosocial Support, Psychotherapy, and Trauma
Discussions examined the role of religion in coping with psychological trauma and the impact of societal issues on mental health in Iraq following major crises.
Panel 2: Psychosocial Work and Psychotherapy with Children and Youth/Addiction
Topics included ADHD, addiction treatment, and the effects of personality disorders on mental health in Duhok.
Panel 3: Interdisciplinary Interventions in War, Torture, and Flight
This panel explored PTSD, advocacy roles of mental health professionals, and cross-cultural issues in psychotherapy.

November 4:

Panel 4: Refugees, IDPs, and Mental Health
This session highlighted the challenges faced by displaced populations in Duhok and strategies for improving mental health support.
Panel 5: The Role of the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology
Discussions focused on the evolving role of therapists in the region.
Panel 6: The Future of Mental Health in Kurdistan and Iraq
Experts addressed the development of mental health services, challenges in child mental health, and legal considerations in psychotherapy.
Panel 7: Mental Health Services in Kurdistan
Topics included future developments and challenges in child mental health care.
Panel 8: Psychotherapy, Culture, and Social Media
This session highlighted cultural influences on psychotherapy, the role of therapists, and the impact of social media on mental health.

Reflections and Closing

The conference concluded with a closing ceremony that celebrated successful collaboration and emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to improve mental health care in Kurdistan and beyond.

This event underscores the University of Duhok’s dedication to advancing mental health education and research, particularly in the context of conflict and post-conflict recovery. Through its partnerships with Germany's Institute of Transcultural Health Science and GIZ’s Civil Peace Service, the University is building a vital platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and culturally sensitive mental health solutions. The conference exemplified a collective effort to address critical mental health challenges and foster resilience among trauma-affected populations, reaffirming the University of Duhok’s leadership in promoting psychological well-being in the region and beyond.

For high-quality photos of the conference, please visit the following links:

[day 1], [day 2]

To watch live feed of the opening ceremony and panels of the conference, visit the following links:

UOD Media; December