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Our Approach

Philosophy & Approach

The Palestinian Counseling Center maintains a holistic perspective regarding the psychological health of an individual. Viewing people as complex social beings, the PCC attempts to address the psychological, sociological, and political contexts that together impact the lives of Palestinians on a regular basis. The PCC likewise recognizes the direct relationship between the conditions of a community on a macro or national level and the well-being of its individual residents. Thus, in order to ensure potential for a prosperous future Palestinian state, it is imperative that its populace have access to sufficient psycho-social care. Equally, factors in the political sphere – particularly pertaining to the Israeli occupation – that effectively harm Palestinians’ mental health must be deterred and lobbied against. Hence, the PCC adopts programs that include individual care, communal and group activities, as well as advocacy efforts at both the local and international levels. In all of its efforts, the PCC adopts a rights based approach, working to empower members of the Palestinian community that it engages with. The organization acknowledges that access to mental heath services is a right to which all persons are entitled to, in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which states that all individuals have the right to “the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” As such, the PCC focuses its activities around the notion that psychological care ought to revolve around building-up resilience levels, as well as enhancing opportunities for individuals to claim their right to mental care and well-being, and holding relevant stakeholders responsible for ensuring that this right is protected.

 

Objectives

In all of its work, the Palestinian Counseling Center aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To improve the well being of individuals and groups psychologically, occupationally, educationally and socially.

2. To reduce the danger of developing psycho-social problems among individuals and groups in marginalized areas.

3. To upgrade the capacities and performance of individuals and institutions working in mental health.

4. To improve policies, procedures, systems and practices related to the mental health of individuals and the Palestinian society at large