Anastasia-Vasiliki Theodoropoulou
Clinical Psychologist ( MSc)
ANAPLASI Medical Rehabilitation Center
The role of the clinical psychologists in medical rehabilitation is multifaceted, important and absolutely necessary, as it contributes to the emotional empowerment of individuals who experience significant physical and mental difficulties. Rehabilitation centers include programs and treatment for individuals who have suffered injury, chronic disease, neurological afflictions, or other conditions that require long-term care and support.
Within such a framework, psychologists work closely with other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to offer a holistic approach to treatment.
To this extent, the role of the clinical psychologist is of paramount importance, the psychologist uses clinical tools, focusing on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social and behavioral aspects of the patient with the aim of understanding and alleviating mental distress, improving function and achieving a better everyday quality of life.
In particular, the role of the clinical psychologist in the medical rehabilitation center is particularly important in delivering comprehensive care for the patient. The clinical psychologist contributes to the mental resilience of the patients, their mobilization, their adaptation and acceptance of the new reality, the support of the families, but also has close collaboration with the rest of the staff:
- Clinical assessment
The first and basic stage is that of the clinical assessment of the patient. Through the clinical interview, and using various psychometric tools, the clinical psychologist is able to identify and recognize the patient’s emotional difficulties, which may amount to a mental disorder. An important part of this initial diagnosis is the medical and psychiatric history that the Rehabilitation Team of the rehabilitation center receives from previous health institutions, where the patient has been treated, as well as from the family environment. Frequent reassessments of the patient’s emotional state help to identify improvement, deterioration or stability in his clinical picture. - Psychological support The clinical assessment is followed by the patient’s introduction to a psychological support program, which aims to strengthen them emotionally, so that they can face the serious challenges of their situation. Many situations can lead to feelings of hopelessness, frustration, pessimism, anxiety and depression. The role of the clinical psychologist is to help patients manage their emotions, and find ways to adapt and accept their new living conditions.
- Management of depressive and anxiety symptoms
Psychological support is often called upon to become more focused, in order to manage the obvious symptoms of anxiety and depression, caused by the loss of physical ability or autonomy. Quite often, the patient mourns his previous life and psychological trauma can follow this loss. In these cases, the clinical psychologist, using psychotherapeutic techniques, from various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, is called upon to help the patient manage the psychological effects of his condition.
- Strengthening motivation
The motivation of each patient is of major importance for their rehabilitation. Quite often, patients show resignation and pessimism about the course of their treatment, which negatively affects their rehabilitation. In these cases, the clinical psychologist seeks to mobilize the patient, helping him to maintain a positive attitude and face challenges with mental endurance. Indeed, the rehabilitation process requires intense effort and active participation from the patient. Improving motivation leads to adherence to treatment protocols and substantial participation in therapeutic processes.
- Family and caregiver support
The participation of family and caregivers is vital in the recovery process. The clinical psychologist contacts and advises the family and caregivers on how to support the patient. At the same time, helping them manage their own emotional difficulties, and thus contributing to their psychological well-being. In particular, with regard to family and patient relationships, the clinical psychologist helps manage these relationships, offering ways to deal with the emotional impact of the patient’s condition. - Staff training
In addition to working with patients, the clinical psychologist can also contribute to informing staff about mental health issues, as well as training them in the management of psychological issues and crises, as well as in patient support strategies. Thus, a collaborative approach to rehabilitation is promoted and ensured.
The Clinical Psychologist at ANAPLASI
In ANAPLASI, psychological support is an integral part of the rehabilitation process, leading to improved quality of life and better therapeutic outcomes; hence, the role of the clinical psychologist, as a member of the trans-disciplinary Rehabilitation Team, is crucial.
More specifically, upon admission of the patient to ANAPLASI, a thorough clinical evaluation takes place with the administration of certified and reliable psychometric scales, with the aim of fully recording emotional difficulties and symptoms, as well as medical, psychiatric and family history.
The patient then follows a personalized psychological support program, depending on their needs. Patients with significant emotional difficulties undergo more intensive psychological support, which can be combined simultaneously with neurocognitive therapy, as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy intervention. The goal of combined therapies at ANAPLASI is to mobilize the patient, so that he or she can participate more actively in his or her treatment plan, but also to receive maximum therapeutic benefits.
During the patient’s hospitalization, frequent psychological reassessments are carried out. If deemed necessary, after discussion with the members of the Trans-Disciplinary team and with the patient’s consent, the clinical psychologist collaborates with the psychiatrist, with the aim of alleviating or even treating pathological conditions that are an obstacle to improving his functionality.
Patients of ANAPLASI also have the opportunity to participate in psychosocial support and creative activity groups. In these groups, patients and therapists discuss, paint, cook, visit cultural venues or cultural events…or participate in cultural events brought to ANAPLASI. The aim of these groups is psychological empowerment, strengthening the cognitive capacity of the patients and their socialization, as a first step towards improving interpersonal abilities with the ultimate goal of social reintegration.
Finally, through information and education, the clinical psychologists at ANAPLASI assist other members of the Trans-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Team, not only in the proper and effective management of psychological crises that patients inevitably experience, but also in the psychological relief and psychological empowerment of the members themselves.
The clinical psychologists of ANAPLASI, as members of the Trans-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Team, are at the side of patients and their families throughout their rehabilitation journey.
At ANAPLASI
“We do the maximum possible, not the minimum necessary.”
“We care for our patients as we would care for our own family.”
Bibliography
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