LOTILKO – COPING Adolescent Group

Detailed professional description

As part of the MBT-I / Lotilko programme and drawing on the approach of the Anna Freud Centre, this three-session training programme supports adolescents in managing emotion-regulation difficulties, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The module focuses on understanding breakdowns in mentalisation and the processes behind emotional dysregulation. Its aim is to help participants learn concrete coping techniques that can be used immediately in everyday life.

Parents also attend a targeted three-session educational training within the Lotilko Programme. They learn about mental states in which self-harm is more likely to occur and practise supportive techniques that can help them respond to their child during difficult situations.

Structure and themes of the training:

• Sensations and emotions: learning to recognise and distinguish internal states.
• Mentalisation and breakdowns in mentalising: understanding our own and other people's intentions and what happens when this capacity becomes impaired.
• Window of tolerance and trigger points: recognising emotional limits and the 'red buttons' that can push us out of balance.
• Emotion regulation: practical methods for managing emotions.
• Understanding the emotional wave: urges to self-harm can arrive like an overwhelming wave. Participants learn to recognise these waves and interrupt them before they take over.
• 'Life-jacket' techniques: practical tools for immediate support and stabilisation.
• Temperature change: using cold or warmth, for example a cool stimulus or warm blanket, to help reduce acute stress.
• Breathing exercises: short, deliberate breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Physical activity: brief, intensive movement such as jumping, push-ups or squats to discharge tension.
• Distraction and self-soothing: using sensory focus, strong tastes, scents or tactile experiences to redirect attention.
• The 'Stop' technique: consciously interrupting a negative train of thought.
• Mindfulness tools: exercises that support staying in the here and now.
• Identifying triggers for self-harm: recording when and why self-harm thoughts arise in order to understand patterns and increase future control.
• Creative self-expression and comfort activities: music and creative work can support emotional expression, while activities such as drinking tea or relaxing can help with calming and self-soothing.

Active participation is encouraged throughout the training. Young people test the techniques within the wider programme after the sessions and reflect on what worked for them. The ultimate aim is to help each participant build a safe internal 'life jacket' they can draw on during difficult moments.

It is not currently possible to register for this group separately because it forms part of the Lotilko Programme. If there is sufficient interest, the group may also be offered independently. Enquiries: murmomail@murmo.hu.

Attendance at all three sessions is required.

Group leaders: Erika Pap – clinical psychologist, symbol therapist and MBT-A therapist; Eszter Forgács – child psychologist, music and play therapist, with foundational MBT-A training.