Dugri 101

What does Dugri mean?

Adapted from Turkish into Arabic, then into modern Hebrew slang, dugri is defined as “straightforward”—speaking freely, saying what is on one’s mind. To speak dugri is to tell it like it is.

What is the Dugri protocol and where has it been used?

Harnessing Stress to Excellence (HASTE) is the resilience model at the foundation of Dugri. In keeping with our core mission, it focuses on promoting personal wellness and better professional functioning. Developed over decades of working with military special forces, emergency medical and surgical teams, corporate leadership, and first responders, HASTE has been successfully implemented around the world to help the strongest in their most difficult and demoralizing times. Beneficiaries include the Israeli Navy SEALS, FEMA, and its NJ Urban Area Security Initiative.

Who is Dugri for?

Too often, caregivers forget to care for themselves. Dugri is an outlet for all healthcare professionals to share the experiences, emotions, and concerns that are unique to our community. If you care for people in your job and need to talk about it, Dugri is for you.

Where do I start?

There are multiple ways to give and receive support on Dugri, depending on what you need and how much time you have. Try them all!

Gather: an open forum that helps to refresh by connecting to the caregiver community, getting valuable feedback, and remembering you’re not alone in the work you do.
Exchange: Get something off your chest and receive support from an empathic ally who gets what you’re going through in a 1:1 voice or text message chat. These dialogs can unfold anytime, at your convenience.
Live Call: For a deeper conversation, try a real-time, audio all with a peer. The app guides you in compassionate conversation, which helps to unload stress and re-energize.

Is Dugri a replacement for therapy?

Absolutely not. Dugri cannot substitute for professional therapy but can be used as an adjunct to therapy or an element of peer support and self-care.

Those in crisis or in need of immediate medical help should call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Where do I start?

The Dugri app connects you with a community of peers from across the country, offering a variety of ways to engage- safely, confidentially, and on your own terms.

GATHER: COMMUNITY FORUM

Join the conversation in a discussion board tailored to the community that knows what you’re going through. Share thoughts and remember you’re not alone, a supportive peer is always a click away.

EXCHANGE: TEXT & VOICE MESSAGING

Get something off your chest and receive support in a safe, 1:1 voice or text message chat. Nothing you’re going through is too big or small to share, and these dialogs can unfold anytime, at your convenience.

LIVE: REAL-TIME AUDIO CALL

For a deeper conversation, try a real-time, audio call with a peer who understands what you’re going through. The app guides you in a confidential, compassionate conversation to help you unload anxiety and re-energize.

PULSE CHECK: WEEKLY SELF-ASSESSMENT

Feeling isolated, unseen, misunderstood? Answer 5 questions each week to gauge your emotional health and increase feelings of connection. Track your progress over time and get tips when you need them.

Think about something that’s bothering you, that you need to get past.
Share honestly without fear of judgment (including from yourself).
Don’t worry about how your voice sounds or your specific choice of words.
Follow the lead of your ally, who will lead you through a series of questions.
Name the emotions: this is a safe space to be vulnerable.
Talk about what helps and what might be learned from this.
Confidentiality is key, so avoid personal details that could reveal your identity.

If you feel desperate or at risk, Dugri is not the right place for this moment. Stay safe and call 911 or the Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255.

Tips for listening

Receive what is being shared with openness, not judgment.
Do your best to truly hear your ally and take their perspective.
Remember that emotions are not problems to be solved: no need to fix things or give advice. Compassion is all that’s needed.
Focus on what your ally is experiencing and the emotions they are feeling. The simple act of standing with someone in adversity can be a powerful comfort.
Think of your listening as a gift in itself. Any opinions, interpretations, and stories should come from them.
Echo what your ally is saying—in your own words—so they know you’re with them.
Empathy honors another person’s experience without trying to define or dismiss it. Even the most well-intentioned analysis or advice can make an ally feel less heard.
Be respectful of your ally’s boundaries and protective of your own: you are here to listen compassionately, not to assume your ally’s burden or take responsibility for it.