Counselling and Psychological Support for Mental Health Professionals in Wartime: A Neuroethical Perspective

Abstract

This article analyses a unique set of challenges faced by psychologists and psychotherapists during wartime – specifically, neuroethical dichotomies that threaten their professional and personal integrity. Central to the discussion are internal conflicts: between empathy and analytical thinking, humanism and the dehumanisation of the enemy, and the breakdown of moral codes under the pressure of war. The authors adopt a synergistic methodological approach, integrating neuroscience, ethics, andragogy, psychotherapeutic practice, and an analysis of current warfare. Within this framework, they propose a typology of neuroethical “splits,” including burnout versus resilience and self-preservation versus self-sacrifice. These dichotomies form a new epistemological field that highlights the professional vulnerability of mental health practitioners. Building on this analysis, the article introduces a framework for neuropsychological support. It also presents five original models of co-counselling, namely, “Ethical Pendulum,” “Neuroreset,” “Moral Landscape,” among others. Ultimately, the article demonstrates that the psychotherapist in wartime is not only a helper but also a bearer of the ethical front – someone who requires specialised support through neuroethical integration. As such, this study contributes to the emerging field of applied neuroethics in humanitarian contexts.