#InTherapy: Over 200 Discussions with Psychotherapists and Thousands of Visits to the First Emotional First Aid Point at a Music Festival

During the four days of the UNTOLD 2023 edition, Cluj-Napoca’s Central Park hosted over 200 discussions with psychotherapists at Romania’s first Emotional First Aid Point within a music festival, organized by the REGINA MARIA Health Network.

“Throughout the festival, we tried and, I hope, succeeded in providing real support to young people who are grappling with exploring their own emotional universe. I believe we have shaped a positive experience that has changed something within them, making them more confident about therapy and sharing personal issues. Most of those we talked to had not been to therapy before, but they were interested and, I hope, convinced to continue this important conversation in whichever way they prefer,” says Lidia Rusu, a therapist within the REGINA MARIA Health Network.

Anxiety, relationship issues, with family or friends; loss and grief, stress and burnout, low self-esteem – these were some of the topics addressed, reflecting issues often discussed in psychotherapy sessions. Many who attended were curious about the therapeutic process: what it entails, what to expect in a session, what they can talk about, and the difference between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychiatrist.

“Psychotherapy is a gradual process, and results are built over time. To seek help, one needs to be informed and understand that there’s no stigma in it. Nowadays, seeking therapy is natural and necessary for one’s well-being,” declares psychologist Oana Nicolau, founder of the clinic bearing her name, part of REGINA MARIA.

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While the majority of attendees were young people aged 15 to 35, there were also couples and children who expressed a desire to attend discussions – the latter under parental supervision.

“Our team offered time and space for anyone who wanted to have a discussion with a psychotherapist, and we were impressed by the openness and interest with which we were approached. The reactions were incredible! My colleagues received numerous appreciations, demonstrating the significant need to bring therapy closer to young people,” continued psychologist Oana Nicolau.

What’s Next: #InTherapy, Part of Everyday Life

The conversation about therapy had a broader impact – during the festival days, the REGINA MARIA Health Network offered visitors over 3,000 prizes, including free therapy sessions, value vouchers, therapy subscriptions, as well as t-shirts and tote bags from the #InTherapy limited edition fashion collection, produced in collaboration with Timisoara-based designer Ina Biebel (Tombabe).

Following the positive feedback and numerous messages received, the collection will also be available for purchase by Tombabe from September 1st to October 1st, with REGINA MARIA converting the number of items sold during this month into free therapy sessions for young people aged 16 to 24.

“Adolescence is challenging because there are many changes, both biologically and emotionally: the transition from childhood to adulthood; the period when personal identity develops; the friend group becomes very important, sometimes even more important than family; there are many social pressures that you don’t know how to handle. Many of those we talked to shared stories about their friendships and had questions about how to cope with social pressures; at this age, we experience our first love, there are many relationship-related aspects, expectations. It’s an age of discovery: it’s important for them to know themselves and prepare for life,” Lidia Rusu continued.

The REGINA MARIA Health Network is not new to such initiatives, recently engaging in activities related to the psychoemotional health of young people through the ING Unfollow Self:Hate campaign.