‘Trauma Release’ expert to help ‘Yolanda’ survivors

A survivor from Tacloban, which was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan cries while taking on a mobile phone after disembarking a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft at the Villamor Airbase, FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—An international expert on stress and trauma relief is set to visit the country, almost two months after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” ravaged Eastern Visayas.

Chris Balsley, together with the Human Capital Development (HDC), would work with “Yolanda” survivors, and aid workers to release the stress and tension experienced after the onslaught.

Balsley, who has worked with war veterans from Afghanistan and victims of the Indonesian tsunami and Chinese earthquake, would introduce aid workers and volunteers to Trauma Release Exercise a physical activity to beat stress.

He said that the exercise is suited for everyone and can be administered individually without the help of psychiatrists or other health practitioners.

Starting January 29 until February 15, Balsley would conduct seminars at Villamor Airbase then move to Tacloban.

On Friday morning, Balsley gave a tutorial to a few volunteers via Skype at the headquarters of the HDC in Acropolis in Quezon City.