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Psychological support for children and adolescents

The question "why is the child overweight or obese?" It is right to start, since obesity can be considered in itself as a symptom that consequently causes secondary psychological effects. Swallowing food is often associated with a psychological need for "filling" or replenishment, which gives a feeling of "comfort" or reward. The most common reasons that lead to overeating are related to feelings of loneliness and depression, the feeling of low self-esteem, stress, as well as the feeling of "boredom" and the corresponding "emptiness" experienced. Poor body image, combined with social stigma, lead to feelings of guilt and a further decline in self-esteem, which re-enhance food ingestion, creating a vicious circle.

On the other hand, the child with juvenile diabetes must come to terms with the irreversible situation at least for the time being, to adapt diabetes to his life and not to confine his life to diabetes, with the biggest bet being not to be ashamed and not to hide his diabetes ..

 

Do you know that the body is connected with the soul?

 

In fact, the soul and the body are an indivisible unity. Thus, when there are emotional difficulties the body can develop symptoms or even organized diseases. On the other hand, a physical illness can have significant psychological effects on both the individual and the family.

Good physical health contributes to the improvement of psychological well-being and psychological well-being contributes to the improvement of physical health.

So, aiming at the comprehensive care of children and their families, we created an interdisciplinary team of specialized professionals. The doctor, dietitian and psychologist work closely together to improve and balance both physical and mental health.

Who are the psychological services aimed at?

The psychologist can help and support young and old. More specifically, psychological support can be received by infants, preschoolers and school children, adolescents, young adults, families, parents, siblings, guardians and caregivers of children with medical problems.

 

What does the psychologist do?

The psychologist using speech and play, depending on age, will help the person to express and process their concerns. In a framework of care and trust, they will work together to identify the root causes of the difficulties and find appropriate solutions. The following are being investigated:

  • health prevention and promotion issues.

  • communication issues between doctor-patient and his family.

  • ways of influencing various individual, social and cultural factors on health and disease.

  • views on modifying individuals' health behaviors.

What psychological services are provided?

 

  • Psychological evaluation

Initially, 1-4 exploratory meetings are held, where the psychologist evaluates the request for help expressed by the child and the family and their psycho-emotional needs. Then and after the interdisciplinary cooperation, it gives the appropriate directions and if this is deemed necessary, the appropriate treatment program is proposed.

 

  • Psychological support - Individual psychotherapy

Children / adolescents themselves often experience emotional difficulties and behavioral problems. Individual psychotherapy (short or long term) helps in mental empowerment and behavior improvement. Emotional child support is provided for better mental health and therefore physical.

 

It is known that the brain, depending on the emotions we feel, affects the whole body through the nervous system, and of course the good or moderate functioning of the immune system.

 

  • Parental counseling

Announcing and managing a physical illness often upsets the whole family. As part of the counseling, parents are informed and receive help to manage their own difficult emotions and data but also to support their child in the most functional way.

 

  • Family psychotherapy and counseling

How the family is affected and functions in the face of health and illness is an important factor influencing the way these two concepts are dealt with in everyday life. The need for more effective communication within the family system when an illness arises is undeniable. What does illness mean in the family system and how can it be managed?

 

  • Teen / parent groups

The group allows the information and the sharing of common experiences and helps to empower and support the teenager or the parent through the dynamics that develop in it.

 

In what cases can a psychologist help?

  • In times of crisis (eg announcement of a physical illness, changes in the life of the child and family such as going to school, adolescence, moving, separation, mourning)

  • In the acceptance of the medical diagnosis and the regulation of the treatment, as well as in the better cooperation with the medical staff

  • In cases of children with diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, endocrine problems, developmental difficulties, psychosomatic symptoms, etc.

  • When there are emotional difficulties (eg fears / phobias, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem)

  • When there are difficulties of social adjustment (eg antisocial behavior, isolation, bullying)

  • When there are behavioral difficulties (eg denial, reactivity, provocation, hyperactivity)

  • When there are difficulties in relationships within the family (eg conflicts, competition, jealousy, overprotection)

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