Last week we had the privilege of welcoming some esteemed colleagues from Romania to our treatment center in Epen. Diana Vasile (Director and Clinical Psychologist), Adina Stanca (Manager and Psychologist), and Teodora Bahna (Psychologist) from the "Institute for Study and Treatment of Trauma" (ISTT) in Bucharest spent two days with our team to share knowledge and exchange experiences.
Diana, Adina and Teodora are true pioneers of structured psychological care in Romania. In a country where psychological care only really began to take shape in the 1990s, ISTT has specialized in the treatment of trauma, often the cause of other mental illnesses. ISTT provides training, treatment and is actively involved in research. The team also visited other clinics in Europe to gather as much information as possible, with the goal of being able to implement a structured system of care in Romania.
Day One: Inspiring Exchange
Our two-day program began with an engaging presentation by Brenda Nunez-Gonzalez (Directing Practitioner/GZ Psychologist) of U-center. The members of the ISTT team showed great enthusiasm and asked numerous questions. After a well-deserved lunch, they participated in an "Oxygen for the Soul" session, which they greatly appreciated. Wubbo Scholte (Clinical Psychologist/Manager of Treatment Affairs/P Educator at U-center) then conducted an instructive discussion with them, covering topics such as intake criteria and assessments. A tour of our clinic completed the day. It was abundantly clear that all three ladies are very driven and are committed to absorbing as much information as possible, which they can apply in their outpatient program in Romania.
Day two: Intensive Watching
On the second day, our guests followed U-center's treatment team closely, from intake interviews to individual therapy sessions. Diana Vasile also provided an inspiring lecture during a lunch referral about their work in Romania. In the afternoon, Limor Navot (Psychologist at U-center) provided an engaging session on schema therapy. Limor will also represent U-center at the invitation of the ISTT team at an international conference to be held in Bucharest later this year (Nov. 10-12).
Our guests were very satisfied with everything they saw and experienced here. Of course, U-center will continue to work closely with these highly valued specialists in the future. It was a real pleasure to welcome our Romanian colleagues and exchange knowledge. Together we are working on the further development of structured psychological care, not only in the Netherlands, but also in Romania.