Specialized Support for Development and Aid Professionals

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Sage Assessments

Supporting Resilience and Well-being in Challenging Environments 

At Sage Clinics, we recognize the distinctive challenges inherent in international development and humanitarian aid, which can significantly impact the mental and emotional well-being of the professionals who have dedicated themselves to this field.  Research indicates that individuals in these roles are often high achievers with exacting standards and a profound sense of mission, but who also experience mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, burnout, and PTSD at a far higher rate than the general population. Often, however, the most substantial hurdle these individuals face is their ability to seek professional support. Many have trouble accessing highly specialized services that understand the contexts they work in, and are so deeply engrossed in caring for others that they neglect their own well-being. 

Our specialized program is dedicated to providing essential support to these individuals, helping them navigate the demands of their vital roles while fostering resilience and well-being through psychological and medical support. 

Our Approach 

At Sage Clinics, our program is led by experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by international development professionals and humanitarian aid workers. Our approach can be carried out in person or via secure teleconferencing and typically includes: 

• Comprehensive Assessment: We begin with a thorough assessment to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by each professional or team. 
• Tailored Support Plans: Based on the assessment, we create personalized support plans that address the unique requirements of each individual or team, including providing documentation for insurance coverage where available/appropriate. 
• Counseling and Therapy: We offer individual and group counseling sessions to address mental health concerns and promote well-being. Key therapeutic modalities used include: 
  • • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 
    • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). 
    • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). 
    • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). 
    • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). 

• Medical management: Sage’s psychiatrists work closely with other mental health professionals to provide medical input as needed, including the ability to prescribe medications. 
• Stress Management Workshops: We conduct workshops and provide tools to help professionals manage the stress associated with their missions effectively. 
• Crisis Response Team: Our crisis response team is available to provide immediate support and guidance during critical missions and events. 

Who can benefit from it? 

Our program is designed to cater to the mental and emotional well-being needs of international development professionals and humanitarian aid workers, including: 

• Development Professionals: Those working in international development, NGOs, and related fields, who face the unique demands of development projects. This includes headquarters professionals who are supporting field teams in high-stress environments. 

• Humanitarian Aid Workers: Individuals engaged in providing emergency relief and aid in crisis-affected regions, often in challenging and high-stress environments. 

International development professionals and humanitarian aid workers often work under demanding conditions with frequent relocations and a range of complex organizational, environmental and emotional stressors. 

At Sage, programs and packages are developed based on the needs of each individual or organization. These may include a combination of individual therapy, group sessions, team-based resilience training, or others. 

Individuals who need support can reach out to us confidentially at appointments@sage-clinics.com to obtain information about costs, schedules and team members before scheduling their first session. For sensitive matters, a callback can be arranged at a suitable time through phone or teleconferencing.