A two-and-a-half-day statewide further training session for school psychologists on the “Healing Classrooms” approach took place shortly before and during the 2025 Hessian summer vacation. Especially in challenging societal times, it is crucial for schools to be perceived as safe and respectful spaces that empower and support all students. The training was organized by the Competence Center for School Psychology Hessen (KSH) in cooperation with the International Rescue Committee Germany (IRC). The goal was to provide practical methods to foster resilience-oriented teaching – particularly addressing school-related challenges in the context of displacement. This approach enables students with refugee experience to better benefit from their educational opportunities. At the same time, the “Healing Classrooms” approach eases the burden on teachers and supports them in managing psychological stress.
To proactively address potential impacts of ongoing stress and extreme pressure – including on neuronal and social development – the “Healing Classrooms” approach adopts a holistic strategy. Its key elements include:
- Creating a safe environment: Establishing a supportive learning space to strengthen stress management skills for everyone involved.
- Social-emotional learning: Promoting skills that support social integration and psychological resilience.
- Mindfulness: Teaching techniques for relaxation, focus, and self-regulation.
As part of the training program, 29 school psychologists were qualified to implement this approach in their regions and to act as multipliers – with the goal of establishing “Healing Classrooms” in schools across Hesse.
This approach represents a significant contribution by the state of Hesse to inclusive school development and to enhancing the mental health, learning, and development opportunities of all students.
The Competence Center for School Psychology Hesse, a joint project of the Hessian Ministry of Culture, Education and Opportunities and Goethe University Frankfurt, has been consolidating school psychology practice and research since 2017. Among other initiatives, the KSH coordinates statewide priorities such as migration and refugee counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health. Founded in 1933 at the initiative of Albert Einstein, the IRC supports people worldwide affected by political crises, war, persecution, or natural disasters. In Germany, the IRC has been actively involved since 2016 in areas such as education, inclusion, and protection for refugees. The website mehr-teilhabe provides a comprehensive overview of the “Healing Classrooms” approach as well as other programs, materials, and events.
Competence Center for School Psychology Hesse (KSH)
info@kompetenzzentrum-schulpsychologie-hessen.de;
Gerhard.Bachmann@paed.psych.uni-frankfurt.de;
Joanna.Wegerer@paed.psych.uni-frankfurt.de
International Rescue Committee Germany (IRC)
healing.classrooms@rescue.org;
Johannes.Wiessner@rescue.org;
Tassilo.Schuster@rescue.org
