Psychologist Goes Digital With Care Package

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan 14, 2010 -
The age-old ‘time on the couch’ with professional psychologists could be nearing its end. Well, perhaps not entirely and not immediately - but at least one local expert has invested in digital infrastructure to provide a much-needed service. A CD-based family care program called ‘Caring Family’, in English and Afrikaans, has been conceptualised and introduced to the marketplace.

This program is designed as a comprehensive course, with complimentary material, that will assist families with the reality of birth of a new sibling and the change in the unit structure.

The developer of Caring Family, Cizelle Louw, a Pretoria-based clinical psychologist with over twenty years experience in practice, believes this technology can really assist in delivering specific help to families on a much wider and more accessible basis.

“As is the case with most industries and sectors today, technology has an undeniable influence on our services to individuals and communities. I am excited about the continued convergence of technology into this specialised area of clinical psychology - that being attention to the family unit structure with the arrival of a new born baby,” says Louw.

The four CD package is designed to provide each member of the family with information, advice and guidance to help them cope with significant changes associated with the arrival of a new member.

The digital program contains information that provides practical solutions to real issues faced by parents, including difficulty in sibling behaviour and response to change.

“Studies have revealed that nearly every older sibling becomes a little ‘naughtier’ and about half become more ‘clingy’, cry more often or suffer toileting setbacks after the birth of a new baby. Other common negative reactions include demanding and difficult behaviour, frequent sleep disturbances, and numerous fears as well as more attachment to comfort objects (blankets, pacifiers, etc). Regressions such as higher dependence on their parents (in matters such as dressing and eating) are also very common,” Cizelle explains.

Cizelle has also paid attention to the inherent advantages of multi-media to reinforce the benefits of program content. Music has been incorporated and used as a technique to enhance the relaxation component – a very effective means of communication and engagement with the end user.

There is also a title song produced and designed specifically for children and are linked with stories included in program. This is an open, easy, honest means of interacting with children and helping them to grasp key messages and main themes.

“One of the most important aspects in dealing with these issues is quality time with children and open, frank and honest communication,” says Cizelle. “My advice to parents is to spend at least fifteen minutes each day with their older children, without the presence of the new born baby. This time is to be exclusively used to interact with the older sibling and reinforce this bond by sharing in activities decided by the older child. This must be consistently followed through and will make a significant difference to the relationship.”

For more information, click through to www.caringfamily.co.za