LOTILKO – COPING Adolescent Group

Detailed professional description

As part of the MBT-I / Lotilko programme and drawing on the approach of the Anna Freud Centre, this three-session training programme supports adolescents in managing emotion-regulation difficulties, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The module focuses on understanding breakdowns in mentalisation and the processes behind emotional dysregulation. Its aim is to help participants learn concrete coping techniques that can be used immediately in everyday life.

Parents in the Lotilko Programme also take part in a targeted three-session educational training. They learn to recognise mental states in which self-harm is more likely to occur and, through situational exercises, practise supportive techniques they can use to help their child in difficult moments.

Structure and Topics of the Training

The programme focuses on developing coping skills and covers the following areas:

• Sensations and Emotions: Learning to recognise and distinguish internal states.
• Mentalization and Its Breakdowns: How we understand our own and others’ intentions, and what happens when this capacity is disrupted.
• Window of Tolerance and Trigger Points: Recognising our emotional limits and the “red buttons” that knock us out of balance.
• Emotion Regulation: Practical methods that help manage emotions.
• Understanding the Emotional Wave: The urge to self-harm can feel like being overwhelmed by a wave that hits at peak intensity. The training helps participants recognise these waves and learn how to interrupt them before they take over.
• Life-Jacket Techniques: Practical tools for immediate support.
  • Temperature Change: Using cold or warm sensory input, such as wrapping up in a blanket or holding ice, to reduce stress.
  • Breathing Exercises: Short, deliberate breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Physical Activity: Brief, intensive movement such as jumping, push-ups or squats to release tension.
• Distraction and self-soothing:
  • sensory focus can include strong tastes (salt, bitter flavours, chocolate), scents (perfume, essential oils) or touch (stroking a blanket, applying cream) to redirect attention.
  • The “Stop!” technique: consciously interrupting a negative train of thought.
  • Mindfulness Tools: Exercises that help participants remain in the here and now.
• Assessing Triggers for Self-Harm: During the training, participants learn to record when and why thoughts of self-harm appear. Understanding triggers helps build greater control in the future.
• Creative Self-Expression and Comfort Activities: Listening to music and creating art can support emotional expression, while comfort activities such as drinking tea or relaxation can support calming.

Active participation is encouraged throughout the training. After the sessions, young people test the techniques within the programme and provide feedback on how effective they were, helping them identify the coping strategies that work best for them. The ultimate aim is for each young person to develop a safer, more personalised set of strategies they can use when emotional intensity rises.

At present, it is not possible to register for this group separately because it forms part of the Lotilko Programme. If there is sufficient interest, we may also run the group independently. For further information, please contact murmomail@murmo.hu.

– Lotilko Programme, GRUND age group: 17 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 08:00–10:00 (in person, Group Room, MURMO 1)

– Lotilko Programme, LOOKOUT age group: 14 Oct, 21 Oct, 08:00–10:00; 11 Nov, 12:00–14:00 (in person, Group Room, MURMO 1)

The group requires attendance at all three sessions.

The groups are led by Erika Pap, clinical psychologist, symbol therapist and MBT-A therapist, and Eszter Forgács, child psychologist, music and play therapist with foundation training in MBT-A.