NGO Counseling – The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria

NGO Counseling Capacity Building & Intervention Program

Equipping Frontline Workers with Essential Mental Health Skills

Introduction

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are often the first to arrive and the last to leave when communities face their darkest moments, whether it’s a case of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), a devastating flood, a refugee crisis, or a health emergency.

Yet, many NGO staff and volunteers have little or no formal counseling training despite working daily with survivors of trauma, loss, displacement, and crisis. Without the right psychological tools, even the most compassionate responders can feel helpless, overwhelmed, or burned out.

The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (CICN) bridges this gap by training NGO teams in professional, culturally sensitive counseling and psychological first aid, so they can respond effectively, ethically, and sustainably.

Who We Work With

NGOs serving survivors of SGBV
Humanitarian aid agencies working in conflict or disaster zones
Medical NGOs dealing with chronic illness, hiv or emergency care
Child and youth-focused organizations
Refugee, IDP & resettlement agencies
Community-based organizations

What the Program Covers

1. Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding how trauma impacts the brain, body, and behavior and responding without re-traumatizing survivors.

2. Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Practical, step-by-step support techniques to stabilize individuals in crisis until further help is available.

3. Counseling Skills for Frontline Workers
Active listening, empathy, boundary-setting, and ethical communication.

4. Specialized Modules
• SGBV survivor support and safe disclosure protocols
• Crisis intervention in natural disasters or conflict zones
• Working with children and vulnerable adults
• Addressing grief, loss, and bereavement
• Managing vicarious trauma and preventing burnout

5. Referral Pathways & Multi-Sector Collaboration
When to seek help from psychologists, medical teams, or law enforcement and how to do it correctly.

Benefits to NGOs

1. Improved Survivor Outcomes
Survivors feel heard, validated, and supported in ways that promote healing.

2. Increased Staff Competence & Confidence
Teams handle crises more effectively and with less emotional strain.

3. Reduced Burnout
Equipping workers with coping tools prevents compassion fatigue and high turnover.

4. Better Donor & Stakeholder Confidence
Professional standards strengthen credibility and increase trust in the organization’s capacity.

5. Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration
Trained teams can work seamlessly with other sectors to address complex humanitarian needs.

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The Chartered Institute of Counseling in Nigeria is a reputable Counseling Institute, the first of its kind in Africa; affiliated with other professional educational Institutions, Associations, and bodies both in Nigeria and Internationally.