The results of the second cycle of the programme of psychological support groups for patients with Cystic Fibrosis and their caregivers, offered by the Hellenic Cystic Fibrosis Association to its members throughout Greece, without financial participation, are positive, proving that psychotherapy is an integral part of the effective management of the disease.
The psychological support programme was launched as a pilot in 2022 with two groups, one for patients and one for caregivers, aiming to strengthen assertive behaviour, improve mood, manage anxiety, anger and generally the negative emotions often experienced by those involved, directly and indirectly, with Cystic Fibrosis.
The success of the first cycle led to the implementation and expansion of the programme in 2023, as the interest in participation was so great that two groups of patients and two groups of caregivers were created.
The second cycle of the program started on April 1, 2023 and was completed on July 1, 2023, through a digital platform, under the coordination, guidance and scientific support of the psychologist and cognitive behavioral psychotherapist Dr. Dipl.-Psych. Stavroula Rakitzi, whom we thank warmly for her voluntary contribution.
The results of the second cycle were also very positive as through 13 meetings the members of the groups were trained in the management of a mechanism for coping with everyday life and rebuilding life based on the new data and at the same time the sense of individual responsibility towards problems was strengthened and adaptability in life was enhanced.
Here you can read in detail the results of the research work of Dr. Psych. Stavroula Rakitzi for the groups of patients and caregivers who participated in the program in 2023.
The interest, the high participation of our members and the positive results reinforce the Association’s commitment to continue next year to provide free psychological support for our patients and their caregivers nationwide. For those interested in participating in the 3rd cycle of the group programme, you can register by filling in your details on the form here and we will let you know.
