In the prevention of extremism, advisors often notice psychological abnormalities in their clients. These can be statements, actions or subtle changes. Sometimes clients also talk about psychological distress on their own initiative. In order to support professionals and those affected in such cases, in 2023 and 2024 the EVOLUO project has implemented further training, peer case counselling and case-related support. The tried-and-tested programmes have been proven to increase knowledge and confidence in dealing with clients who exhibit mental abnormalities or even disorders.
EVOLUO
Psychological knowledge and skills for disengagement assistance
EVOLUO kompakt – pre-registration until 2 May 2025
Under the name "EVOLUO kompakt", we are offering a short training course and two (digital) peer case consultations this year:
Module 1: 18-19 September 2025 in Bochum
Module 2: 20-21 November 2025 in Berlin
Collegial case consultations (online): 7 October and 9 December 2025
The courses provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills for dealing with clients who exhibit psychological problems or disorders and are aimed at secondary and tertiary prevention professionals from all areas of phenomena. Participation is free of charge.
Pre-registration and more informationEVOLUO was implemented jointly by Violence Prevention Network gGmbH and IFAK e. V. (as part of the project network Beratungsnetzwerk Grenzgänger). Since 2025, the cooperation has no longer been funded by the “Radicalisation’ advice centre” at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Nevertheless, the two organisations continue to work together and are committed to supporting professionals and clients in the future. The need is still high.
EVOLUO 2025
Over the past two years, we have implemented programmes that work. In the interests of clients, specialists and the entire field of work, we want to secure our expertise in the long term and also support other target groups if necessary. We publish current information on this website. In the meantime, we recommend our (German) publication Zwischen Psychotherapiebedarf und Klient*innen-Selbstbestimmung and the (German) podcast episode Psychische Gesundheit im Beratungskontext.
Mental health in disengagement work
Social and psychological dynamics interact during radicalisation. Interactions between the inner psychological world and the outer social world influence both processes of turning towards and distancing from radicalisation. A sound and differentiated understanding of the mental health of clients is therefore essential in order to provide them with holistic support.
Counselling centres are already working with a wide range of expertise and methods. At the same time, many professionals would like more knowledge about psychological stress and disorders, their effects on counselling and confidence in dealing with them. These are the results of several surveys, a needs analysis and the EVOLUO rounds in 2023 and 2024.
Against this background, the project consisted of two pillars and was also scientifically supported by Forschungsstelle Deradikalisierung (FORA) of Beratungsnetzwerkes Grenzgänger.
Further Training
The first pillar comprised further training geared towards the needs of advisors. It consisted of five modules and takes place over two days in Bochum or Berlin. We attached great importance to ensuring that the knowledge and skills can be used directly in advising. Participants received an accompanying handbook for their day-to-day work. They also received access to a website with further material, exercises and much more.
Case-related psychological-therapeutic advise in disengagement work
The second pillar comprised case support services for advisors and clients. Advise centres could contact the project team in all cases in which psychological aspects play a role. The content, format and duration were based on the needs of the person making the enquiry.
Scientific support
Forschungsstelle Deradikalisierung (FORA) supported the project with a comprehensive evaluation and application-oriented research. EVOLUO was also supported by a scientific advisory board.
Contact
Violence Prevention Network
EVOLUO project
Alt-Reinickendorf 25
13407 Berlin
+49 176 5527 9758
Contact
Beratungsnetzwerk Grenzgänger
Projekt EVOLUO
Kortumstr. 106-108
44787 Bochum
+49 151 1892 7195
The Evoluo project is being realised together with
The Evoluo project is funded by the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge.
