Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists (SOFAR)

The Psychoanalytic Couple and Family Institute of New England (PCFINE), with the support of other psychoanalytic groups throughout the country, launched a pro bono program called SOFAR: Strategic outreach to Families of All Reservists. Through this program, PCFINE coordinates the delivery of psychotherapy and psycho-educational services to the families of Reservists and National Guard Members who are stationed in or returning from Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

The goal of SOFAR is to provide a flexible and diverse range of psychological services that foster stabilization, aid in formulating prevention plans to avoid crises, and help families to manage acute problems effectively when they occur. Our highest priority is to help families to develop and maintain coping skills during the phases of Alert, Mobilization/Activation, Deployment and Reunion/Reintegration. Clinicians are available to provide individual and family therapy and lead support groups targeted for families, mothers and parent on such topics as stress management, anger management and general coping skills.

SOFAR aims to reduce stress on Reservists and Guard Members by letting them know that SOFAR is there to support their families when the need arises. The program is beginning with more than 50 credentialed volunteers who will meet with members of the Family Readiness Group of the 883rd Medical Company of the Army Reserves, based in Boston, MA. Families of Army Reservists serving in the 883rd have received information about the program and have been encouraged to contact the program by calling us at 617-266-2611 to request an assignment to one of the participating clinicians in the Greater Boston area. All families will be guaranteed strict confidentiality within the limits of the law.

Once a family member request services from SOFAR, the clinician will conduct an assessment and develop a treatment plan for the individual and /or family. The family member and the clinician will negotiate the duration and frequency of services to best meet the needs of the family with the resources SOFAR can provide. Should the family require additional community resources, the clinician will assist in making referrals to appropriate services.

Once the program has been assessed and appropriate changes made to accommodate the needs of the population, PCFINE will work to replicate the program nationally through the 27 local chapters of Division of Psychoanalysis (39) of the American Psychological Association and the 31 institutes of the American Psychoanalytic Association.