Treating the mind as well as the body, Cumberland’s staff teach young people to recognize their emotional needs. Depression or other disorders may complicate a patient’s illness. Individuals may exhibit a specific pattern of self-destruction or behaviors that impede them from responsibly managing their chronic illness.
Intensive individual and group psychotherapies address each patient’s unique emotional and behavioral issues. Each patient participates in weekly Chronic Illness Group sessions to discuss the emotional affects and adjustment problems that can accompany an ongoing illness or injury. A major focus is to develop compensatory and coping skills. Topics include:
- Anger management
- Self-esteem
- Body image
- Assertiveness
- Peer pressures
- Healthy sexuality
Other groups may include Community Group which involves discussions concerning interactions on the living unit, Process Group which encourages acceptance of one’s disease, Experiential Group which focuses on developing trust using positive successes on the outdoor ROPES course, and Stress and Relaxation Group.
Specific chronic illness educational groups focus on attitudes and individual cognitive problem-solving skills. For example, patients with spina bifida or other neurological issues learn compensatory skills to assist with their memory and learning problems.
CUMBERLAND'S SUCCESSFUL FORMULA"Cumberland Hospital has provided a ray of
hope for our most difficult to manage,
chronically ill children and adolescents.
Thanks to the hospital’s unique approach of
treating both the mind and body, these
children have been able to resolve issues
that have blocked their ability to care for their own medical needs.
As an experienced case manager, I find it refreshing to see an institution that recognizes the impact of psychological and behavioral issues on a patient's physical well being. Cumberland addresses both those concerns, head on, with a comprehensive health management plan and a team approach."
- Sue Gronostajski, RN, CCM
Horizon/Mercy Blue Cross Blue
Shield of New Jersey