Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras held its final live broadcast of the year on December 5th at 7:00 p.m. on its YouTube channel. In celebration of International Volunteer Day, the organization brought together four volunteers who work directly in its mission to provide psychological care to vulnerable populations across different regions of Brazil.

The live event, titled “Stories, Impact, and Purpose within Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras,” featured real-life experiences, moving testimonies, and reflections on the role of psychology as a tool for care, solidarity, and social transformation.

Participants included:

• Dr. Zuleide Andrade — Psychologist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with strong experience in online care, offering psychological support with empathy, clarity, and practical strategies for well-being.

• Aline Monteiro — Clinical psychologist, with postgraduate degrees in Person-Centered Humanistic Psychology, Hospital Psychology, and Palliative Care.

• Mayara Evangelista — Social psychologist, postgraduate in Contemporary Psychoanalysis, working on the front lines of in-person psychotherapy in the Maré community (Rio de Janeiro).

• Gabriela Marques — Volunteer psychology student, currently in her 8th semester at Faculdade de Brasília.

The live was moderated by Luciana Santana, Executive Director of Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras, with the participation of Roder Nagib, Care Coordinator, who contributed analyses and responses throughout the broadcast.

Stories that inspire: the strength of volunteer work in practice

The live presented real stories from volunteer psychologists working both remotely and in person, highlighting the diversity and power of volunteer mental health work.

Dr. Zuleide Andrade: online psychological support on the front lines

Zuleide shared her experience as an online volunteer, providing psychological support to people from all regions of the country. With her CBT expertise, she highlighted:

• the importance of empathic listening;

• the emotional impact of crisis-related care;

• the relevance of qualified follow-up in reducing psychological suffering;

• how telepsychology expands the organization’s reach.

She also shared impactful memories from Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras’ work in Rio Grande do Sul during the floods, supporting individuals who experienced loss, trauma, and deep disruptions.

Aline Monteiro: humanization and care in critical moments

Aline emphasized the importance of a humanistic and welcoming approach in psychological care, especially in emergency contexts. Like Zuleide, she also supported flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul, highlighting:

• the need for ongoing care after traumatic events;

• the importance of psychological presence in humanitarian crises;

• how volunteer work transforms both those who receive and those who provide care.

Her testimony underscored the relevance of psychology in humanitarian actions and the need for qualified professionals in moments of intense emotional vulnerability.

Mayara Evangelista: daily presence in the Maré community

Mayara delivered one of the most touching testimonies of the live by sharing her in-person experience in the Maré community in Rio de Janeiro—one of the largest and most complex areas of social vulnerability in Brazil.

She highlighted:

• the strength and resilience of local residents;

• the lack of access to mental health services;

• the impact of violence and inequality on daily life;

• how Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras has contributed by offering clinical care and emotional support.

Mayara reinforced that everyone, regardless of social reality, deserves psychological care, and that her work in Maré represents a return of affection, respect, and presence.

Gabriela Marques: the importance of student volunteers

As an 8th-semester psychology student, Gabriela represented the new generation of Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras volunteers. She spoke about:

• the opportunity to learn through practice;

• the experience of participating in a socially committed movement;

• how volunteer work contributes to professional development;

• the support received from the technical team and institutional supervision.

Gabriela’s participation reinforced the organization’s belief in and investment in the training of future psychologists, allowing students to contribute within ethical and supervised professional boundaries.

A year-end closing filled with gratitude and purpose

The live symbolically marked the conclusion of the organization’s 2024 activities, with a strong sense of gratitude toward the volunteers who dedicate their time, care, knowledge, and professionalism to the institution’s mission.

As moderator, Luciana Santana emphasized:

• the importance of the volunteer network;

• the emotional and social impact of the organization’s work;

• the ongoing need to expand access to psychological care in Brazil.

Roder Nagib added technical reflections on mental health, psychological suffering, community care, and social responsibility.

Conclusion

The International Volunteer Day live was a moment of celebration, recognition, and inspiration. By bringing together volunteer psychologists working in diverse realities—floods in southern Brazil, remote care, vulnerable territories like Maré, and academic training—Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras reaffirmed its mission to provide psychological care to those who need it most.

The event reinforced that volunteers are the organization’s vital force and that each shared story represents a direct impact on the lives of people experiencing emotional suffering.

Psicólogos Sem Fronteiras closes the year with renewed purpose and expanded commitment: to continue building paths of care, listening, and transformation throughout Brazil.