Ashgabat, June 13, 2025 – UNFPA Turkmenistan conducted a three-day workshop for psychologists from Family Support Services and specialists from the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST). The event, held from June 11 to June 13, 2025, at the UN building, was dedicated to the application of a gender-sensitive approach in providing psychological counseling and support to tuberculosis patients and their family members.

To conduct the seminar, organized in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan, UNFPA invited international consultant Ms. Raushan Zheteyeva.

During the workshop, participants familiarized themselves with the medical and psychosocial aspects of tuberculosis, including stigma and discrimination, as well as the impact of the diagnosis on the family and social adaptation. Special attention was given to the role of a psychologist in the NRCST team, ensuring adherence to TB treatment, and ethical aspects of their work.

Basic techniques of psychological counseling were also studied, such as building a therapeutic alliance, active listening, and crisis intervention skills. Issues of motivational counseling, professional burnout among specialists, and methods of its prevention were also discussed.