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). They worked together for three days to build a menu of strategies to help all peoples, which was published in a White Paper: Managing the Psychology of Fear and Terror: Strategies for Governments, Service Providers, Communities and Individuals.

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.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.

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 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.