South African Psychiatry - November 2020

ADHD CONGRESS
1 ST SOUTHERN AFRICAN MULTIDISCIPLINARY ADHD CONGRESS
SUPPORTING THE OTHER - GROUP
THERAPY PROGRAMME
The programme is divided into 8 sessions and
comprises of 6 group members. Theoretically
it is based in Gestalt Theory and provides
the opportunity for sharing, telling narratives,
reflection, growth, peer support, learning
new skills and having fun. Activities include
psychoeducation, individual activities, team
activities and child-parent activities.
The different sessions are set out as seen in
Figure 1. One of the most important features
of the programme is to get parents involved
during the first and the last session.
THE RATIONALE IS TO BUILD A BRIDGE
OF COMMUNICATION WHERE THE
CHILD CAN VOICE THEIR EXPERIENCE
AND CHALLENGES OF LIVING WITH A
SIBLING WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
THE WAY FORWARD
The programme will be rolled-out in the near
future for tweens and teens. On completion
of the programme, monthly group support will
be available for those who feel that a monthly
check-in will be of benefit. The programme will
also be adapted for adult siblings of people
with special needs.
Derine Louw started her private practice in 2020,
after working as a senior psychologist at Stikland
Psychiatric Hospital in Bellville, Cape Town since
2010. Her focus is on therapeutic interventions in
child, adolescent and adult mental health with a
special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, bodyfocused
repetitive behaviours (hair-pulling, skin
picking), as well as working with siblings and care
givers of children with special needs. Intervention
modalities include Gestalt Therapy, Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Correspondence:
www.derinelouw.co.za
Figure 1
SOUTH AFRICAN PSYCHIATRY ISSUE 25 2020 * 43