Mums Who Embrace Challenges

The responsibilities that come with the family structure, the seeds of which were sown by the decision of two people, take on a new form when a child joins the family. However, the child upon whom hopes are pinned and dreams are built is always assumed to be healthy; should any adverse circumstances arise following birth, the family feels caught unprepared and disappointed (Eripek, 1996), as this unforeseen situation will necessitate changes to their plans regarding their baby’s and their own future, and even their financial arrangements (Doğu and Arslan, 2008).

According to the results of the Turkey Disability Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2002, it was found that 12.29% of the population has a disability (ÖZİDA, 2002). Despite this information, the first and most prominent reaction of families who learn that their child has a disability is usually ‘shock’ (Metin, 2001).  The emotions that follow include denial, sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, unexpected crises, avoidance of confronting the attitudes of the outside world, disappointment, and a decline in self-confidence and self-respect (Küçüker, 1993).

The primary aim of families with disabled children is to prepare their children for a dignified and comfortable life; however, in the midst of this inherently exhausting process, families often forget to look after themselves. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to expect a tired parent who is not in touch with their own needs to support their child. For this reason, the ÇADEM Psychology team has developed the ‘Mothers Embracing Disabilities’ project, taking into account the well-being of both our children with disabilities and their families.

The primary aim of the “Mothers Embracing Disabilities” Project is to help mothers of children with disabilities realise they are not alone, to recognise their emotions, to provide them with a space to express these feelings, and to strengthen their coping skills.

Group Therapy Approach

The programme is structured as an 8-session group programme spanning 10 weeks, drawing on Solution-Focused Group Counselling, Existential Group Therapy (Logotherapy Group Therapy) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction group activities.

Group Therapy Session Content

Each session addresses a separate topic, and although each new topic serves as a link between the previous and the next, the session’s topic is introduced and concluded within that session itself. The process consists of eight weeks in total, comprising seven sessions and one therapeutic break, covering topics such as shaping the therapeutic process, self-perception within the therapeutic process, goal-setting, tips for finding solutions, progressing towards a solution, attachment and separation (with parental involvement), and saying goodbye.

The sessions continue with the therapist creating a space for participants to express themselves, following an evaluation of the period from the previous week up to that point, and guiding them in line with that week’s concept. Through mindfulness activities conducted with the mothers, they will be taught how to strengthen their coping skills and how to protect their own emotional state from all these external stimuli.

Participation Criteria

Any mother of a child with a disability who wishes to respond appropriately to her child’s needs and feels she requires support in this regard may take part in the programme.

Participation Fee

The participation fee for Group Therapy has been set at 800 TL. Payments will be collected in two instalments: 400 TL before the programme begins and 400 TL at the end of the fourth week.

Capacity

The maximum number of participants for the Group Therapy is 15.

Dates:

       Wednesday 6 November: Session 1

       Wednesday 13 November: Session 2

       Wednesday 20 November: Session 3

       Wednesday 27 November: Session 4

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       Wednesday 11 December: Session 5

       Wednesday 19 December: Session 6

       Wednesday 25 December: Session 7

       Wednesday 3 January: Session 8

For further information, please contact us at [email protected] or on 0(505) 143 60 63.