The first module of the 365 Days Family Project has been completed

Within the scope of the 365 Days Family Project, which is supported by the Directorate General of Civil Society Relations of the Ministry of Interior, carried out in partnership with the Governorship of Malatya, under the scientific consultancy of Üsküdar University, and implemented by the Valuable Lives Education Association (DEHADER), the training titled “Module 1: Family Dynamics and Communication” was held. During the online training, the mentoring system that strengthens family structure, individual awareness processes, positive psychotherapy based communication techniques, and active listening methods with children were discussed in detail through expert presentations and responses to participants’ questions.

The online program was attended by Asst. Prof. Mert Akcanbaş, Director of Üsküdar University AİLEMER and faculty member of the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Sera Elbaşoğlu from NPİSTANBUL Hospital, and Specialist Clinical Psychologist Özgenur Taşkın.

The session was moderated by Clinical Psychologist Edibe Serra Erol.

Asst. Prof. Mert Akcanbaş: “Mentoring is a special art of guidance”

Outlining the theoretical and practical framework of mentoring, Asst. Prof. Mert Akcanbaş from the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences emphasized that mentoring should not be confused with therapy. Akcanbaş said, “While mentors aim at development, learning, and increasing competence, therapists focus on repairing structures that have lost functionality. Mentoring is a personalized art of guidance in which boundaries are more flexible. In this process, effective listening and asking the right questions are of vital importance. A mentor is someone who guides without imposing, while being aware of their own cultural background and the cultural codes of the person they mentor.”

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Sera Elbaşoğlu: “The first step in the mentoring process is increasing self awareness”

Presenting the Awareness module, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Sera Elbaşoğlu stated that an individual’s insight into themselves is a prerequisite for both psychological resilience and healthy communication. Elbaşoğlu said, “Awareness is the ability to recognize one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns. As illustrated in the Johari Window model, becoming aware of one’s blind spots prevents conflicts in relationships. Without recognizing one’s internal processes, impulses, and needs, a person cannot achieve behavioral change or truly understand others. Therefore, the first step in the mentoring process is to increase self awareness.”

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Özgenur Taşkın: “Not Pollyannaism, but realistic optimism”

Referring to positive psychotherapy based communication techniques, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Özgenur Taşkın emphasized that positive communication does not mean constantly thinking positively, but rather aiming for realistic optimism. Taşkın said, “Our brains are structurally more inclined to focus on the negative. Positive communication is not about ignoring problems, but about being able to focus on solutions despite difficulties. Using ‘I’ statements instead of blaming ‘you’ statements in relationships disables defense mechanisms and creates a constructive ground for dialogue. While fearing pessimistic winds, realistic optimism adjusts its sails accordingly.”

Specialist Clinical Psychologist Edibe Serra Erol: “It is not enough to hear the child, it is necessary to understand”

Explaining effective communication methods with children, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Edibe Serra Erol drew attention to the importance of active listening in parent child communication. Erol said, “We often teach children how to speak, but neglect listening to them. Listening is not just hearing, but correctly understanding the child’s emotions and needs. Especially in moments of crisis, instead of rejecting the child’s feelings, it is necessary to name them and create space for expression. Asking open ended questions based on cooperation and allowing the child to express themselves, rather than using commanding or blaming language, strengthens the bond of trust.”

The online event concluded after participants’ questions were answered.