Certificate Programme in Disaster Preparedness for Mental Health Professionals
Published on June 22, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Sarah Peterson, a seasoned psychologist and the lead instructor for the Certificate Programme in Disaster Preparedness for Mental Health Professionals. Sarah, thank you for joining us. GUEST: Thank you for having me, it's a pleasure to be here. HOST: Can you share some of your personal experiences that led you to teach this course? GUEST: Absolutely. I've worked in disaster-stricken areas, and I've seen firsthand how crucial it is for mental health professionals to be prepared. This course is my way of equipping others with the skills they need. HOST: That's impressive. What are some current industry trends relevant to this course? GUEST: There's a growing recognition of the psychological impacts of disasters. More organizations are investing in training for their mental health professionals, which is a positive trend. HOST: That's great to hear. What challenges do you face when teaching this subject? GUEST: The biggest challenge is helping professionals understand the unique psychological needs that arise in disaster situations. It's about shifting their mindset from regular practice to crisis intervention. HOST: I can imagine. Looking to the future, where do you see this area of mental health heading? GUEST: I believe we'll see more integration of mental health services in disaster response plans. This course is part of that vision, preparing professionals to provide timely and effective support. HOST: That's a hopeful outlook. Thank you for your insights, Sarah. It's been a pleasure talking with you. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a great conversation. HOST: And that's a wrap for today's episode. Tune in next time as we continue to explore exciting courses and conversations with industry experts. Until then, take care and stay curious.
