Conference

The aim of this work­shop is to explore oppor­tu­ni­ties for estab­lish­ing a prac­ti­cal, clin­i­cally rele­vant, and long-term sustain­able inter­na­tional network of psychol­o­gists work­ing with Thalido­mide survivors.

The focus is on clin­i­cal prior­i­ties, exist­ing knowl­edge and research gaps, avail­able exper­tise, and oppor­tu­ni­ties for inter­na­tional coop­er­a­tion. Partic­u­lar atten­tion is paid to the evolv­ing psycho­log­i­cal and psychoso­cial impacts of life­long disabil­ity and aging. These include, among others, emotional well-being, iden­tity, rela­tion­ships, coping strate­gies, chronic pain, the loss of inde­pen­dence, and chang­ing support needs. 

Through profes­sional exchange, the dissem­i­na­tion of research find­ings, and the shar­ing of expe­ri­ences in diag­nos­tics, case formu­la­tion, and inter­ven­tion, the goal is to strengthen clin­i­cal knowl­edge and further develop evidence-based practice.

A central prin­ci­ple is that the lived expe­ri­ences of Thalido­mide survivors inform clin­i­cal under­stand­ing, research, and the devel­op­ment of psycho­log­i­cal inter­ven­tions and support services across the entire lifespan.