July 28, 2010 

 

On July 2, I set out for Darwin, Australia to attend the Asian Psychological Association (APsyA) annual meeting at Charles Darwin University. This association, only in its third year of operating, draws members of the mental health community from throughout Asia, Australia, and Oceania. On Monday, I gave a lecture titled “The Effects of Piracy on Seafarers: Assessment and Intervention” to approximately 50 psychologists. 

In the Q&A following the presentation, and in the corridors of the University following the program, I had the opportunity to speak to psychologists involved in the care of seafarers in the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as to speak to interested parties from throughout Southeast Asia. These meetings provided further clarity on the difficulties facing the would-be provider of mental health care to seafarers when they return home. 

Many of the insights gained from this experience will be incorporated into the second version of our Preliminary Guidelines, which should be available by mid-August.