Our History
First International Assembly on Managing the Psychology of Fear and Terror
Psychology Beyond Borders (PBB) is an initiative that evolved out of the gathering in Texas in 2004 of 90 of the world's
experts on managing the psychology of fear and terror. This first
International Assembly on Managing the Psychology of Fear and Terror was convened by Issues Deliberation Australia/America (IDA). The Assembly brought together ninety of the world's experts on managing the psychology of fear and terror from France, Spain, Italy, Iran, the UK, Germany, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Australia, Canada and the USA
to work together to collaboratively tackle one of the world's most pressing issues. The experts represented a diversity of professions and fields ranging from clinician, to researcher, to emergency relief and general humanitarian
aid to clergy. They worked together for three days to build a menu of strategies to help all peoples, regardless of race, religion,
nationality or politics, overcome the fear and trauma associated with terror attacks. This menu of strategies was published in a
White Paper: Managing the Psychology
of Fear and Terror: Strategies for Governments, Service Providers, Communities and Individuals.
In September 2004, the preliminary findings from the Assembly were released at a "Newsmaker Briefing" at the National Press
Club in Washington, D.C.
Beyond Fear: Finding Hope in the Horror
The work of the International Assembly on Managing the Psychology of Fear and Terror was documented in a film,
Beyond Fear: Finding Hope in the Horror.
Beyond Fear was screened at the US Capitol in 2006 as part of the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001.
The screening was hosted by four Congressmen who chaired the two Congressional Caucuses dealing with mental health. Following
the screening, PBB's Founder Dr. Pamela Ryan and several delegates from the Assembly fielded questions from the attendees. The film has also been screened in Australia's Parliament House for Parliamentarians and their advisors. Beyond Fear has been shown at various public screenings, as well as international conferences.
Psychology Beyond Borders (PBB)
One of the key recommendations from the First International Assembly on Managing the Psychology of Fear and Terror was the establishment of a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural Task Force to continue the work of the Assembly. Dr. Pamela Ryan invited several international experts and Assembly delegates to join with her to establish what eventually became Psychology Beyond Borders. During its initial formation stages, PBB sent a field team to Sri Lanka to help community partners address
psychosocial needs following the devastating tsunami in in 2006. Since those initial beginnings, PBB has enacted many psychosocial projects with local partners around the world. PBB, through its international Mission Awards program is also supporting research and service projects that reflect the five key elements of PBB's mission.
Evolution of a Global Network
Since its inception in 2005, one of the defining features of PBB is its international network of leading
experts from around the world -- psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other humanitarian aid professionals -- who
join forces and knowledge to facilitate the most effective management of psychosocial impacts of armed conflict, natural
disasters and terrorism. PBB is governed by a Board of Directors, and supported by an International Advisory Board and an International Board of Patrons. They join an international network of
the world's leaders in this field with the shared vision to prevent and alleviate psychological pain that can result from some of the world's most tragic situations.