Since 2020, we are facing an unprecedented challenge, imposed on us by the new coronavirus. Each and everyone is trying to adapt to the new circumstances to our best of knowledge. Adaptation per se is a big challenge and is even bigger, rougher and more mercy-less for people with a chronic condition such as diabetes.
Persons with diabetes (PWD) naturally develop skills to cope with diabetes challenges. The HCP try to encourage/empower them with regular support, education, active listening and empathy.
However, the new coronavirus came as a surprise also for HCP and we are discovering 'new territories'. How can we develop new skills to be able to support the PWD who ask for help?
It comes with no surprise that a lot of (new) psychological challenges emerge that we as HCP have not been well-equipped for.
How to help our PWD, how to encourage them to find their own resources, their own resilience that would resist and counteract the new coronavirus challenge?
The intention of our symposium is to be pioneers in the field AGAIN. Since 2012, when at DiaMind No.1 we first identified the need for HCPs to become engaged in exploring psychological needs of people with diabetes, we then continued to explore further. Each and every year DiaMind was organized as a hands-on symposium, comprised primarily of workshops where participants engaged in practical aspects of psychology in diabetes. Empowerment of people with diabetes, but also the empowerment of HCPs is a leading approach discussed and trained at the meetings, attracting internationally renowned expert trainers from the field. There also is a tradition of live role-play sessions, where participants observe trainers at work – live!
This year the jubilee 10th DiaMind will be organized online for the very 1st time.
It took us about 15 minutes to complete it. If you have a chance, completing the survey prior to DiaMind may help you get the most out of the webinar.
And here is the topic:
DIABETES - COVID-19 – PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES.
A New Syndemics?
Julie Wagner
is a health psychologist and Professor of Behavioral
Sciences and Community Health, and Psychiatry, at the University of
Connecticut. She teaches a bio-psycho-social-contextual approach
to diabetes, and innovative curricula to promote cross-cultural
communication between patients and healthcare providers. She
researches psychosocial contributors to diabetes outcomes and designs
and tests community-based interventions for the neediest populations
with diabetes in the US and abroad. Dr. Wagner has served in editorial
roles for leading health psychology journals, and has held leadership
positions in professional societies including the American Diabetes
Association, the American Psychological Association, and Behavioral
Research in Diabetes Group Exchange (BRIDGE).
Sally Openshaw
is a Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist working
in private practice in Devon, UK. Sally is a UKCP recognized practitioner
and accredited fellow of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship
Therapist). She works from an integrative relationship model and is
recognised by the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association
as a trainer, supervisor and practitioner. Sally manages Towerhouse
Counselling, (www. towerhousecounselling.co.uk) where she runs a
BACP Accredited Diploma course and teaches on a range of CPCAB
counselling trainings. Sally completed a four-part training in EMDR
in 2013 and is a member of the European Association of EMDR
practitioners. Sally recently completed an advanced diploma in Sexual
Addiction. She is an experienced Tutor, with a BEd in Education for Adult
learners.
Professor Arie Nouwen,
a behavioural researcher interested in diabetes
and depression and issues related to dietary self-care. He uses a range of
methods including neuro-imaging techniques to study the relationship
between patterns of eating behaviour and cortical processing of food
stimuli. He has written a number of key publications. He is Associate
Editor of Diabetic Medicine and Professor (just retired) at the Dept. of
Psychology, School of Health & Social Sciences, Middlesex University in
London, UK.
Karin Kanc
is one of the organizers of this meeting. As a diabetologist,
she has her own diabetes practice (jazindiabetes) in Ljubljana, Slovenia
and is also a certified integrative psychotherapist (IIPA). She has been
active in the field of psychological aspects of diabetes for more than
20 years and is a pioneer in her country combining diabetes and
psychotherapy with psychology. Lately, her focus is mindfulness in
diabetes and mindful eating.
Who is this meeting for?
Educators, medical doctors (GPs, diabetologists, pediatricians and others), psychologists, psychotherapists, dietitians, pharmacists and other health care professionals that work with people with diabetes.
Where and when?
Online - April 21 and April 22, from 16:00 to 17:30, both days.
Registration fee?
None - FREE of CHARGE!


For information please contact us at info@diamind.si.
