IDMH director discusses Malaysian Airlines disaster with CCTV America

On Wednesday, July 23, 2014, Psychology Professor and Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH) Dr. James Halpern joined CCTV America, an American division of the international news broadcaster China Central Television, to discuss the recent Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 disaster.

Halpern shared his expertise in disaster mental health practices by answering several questions about the grieving process of those who lost loved ones on Flight 17 when it was shot down on July 17. He addressed such topics as how leaders should help people cope, whether the crash investigation will prolong the grieving process, and what advice he would give family and friends to help victims cope.

Halpern is often requested to provide trauma counseling to victims immediately following major disasters such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Newtown, Conn., school shootings, and Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. He is also regularly sought out by regional, national and international media to comment on best practices in disaster counseling and treatment after national and international crises.

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Full audio of the interview can be found below:

 

For more information about the Institute for Disaster Mental Health, please visit: www.newpaltz.edu/idmh