TO PROVIDE support for the well-being of persons deprived of liberty, the doctorate psychology students of Holy Angel University (HAU) recently organized a service learning and outreach cum immersion activity.

Themed “Caring for the PDLs: A Psychosocial Support Activity,” the initiative was in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Olongapo District.

It was part of the student’s Social and Community Psychology Class activity.

“The psychosocial support activity was composed of three sessions highlighting the kamustahan, a talk on coping, and a lecture on relapse prevention,” the school said.

Janne Andre M. Diego, RPsy, a PhD student, led a kamustahan session, introducing stress management techniques and ways to enhance emotional well-being. The session included a letter-writing activity for PDLs to reflect on their situations.

Maica Pineda, PhD student and Registered Psychologist and Psychometrician, led a discussion on identifying internal and external strengths for self-improvement.

On the other hand, PhD student and RPsy Benedick Aguilar gave a lecture on relapse prevention and facilitated a personal prayer activity.

It was followed by a small group sharing facilitated by all the members of the class.

“The discussions highlight key points on focusing on improving oneself and fostering hope in moving forward. Additionally, the activity emphasized self-reflection on the things that make one grateful, as well as setting a goal to keep pushing despite circumstances and factors affecting one’s mental health,” HAU said.