In 2021, while studying psychology, I began volunteering at Murmo after responding to an advertisement posted on a university bulletin board. Fortunately, over the past two years I have had the opportunity to gain insight into the work of the Murmo team across various areas, including child therapy groups, parent groups, and professional team meetings.

In the Lotilko groups, I was able to observe the therapists’ work with children firsthand, week after week. During the sessions, children were encouraged to express their current themes and experiences both verbally and through creative activities, and then reflect on them with the support of the therapists. Having the opportunity to observe such work as a volunteer was both exciting and immensely valuable, as it is rare to be allowed into a therapeutic setting as an observer and witness how professionals ask questions, listen, formulate their thoughts, notice important details, and draw attention to meaningful aspects of the process. In every Murmo group where I assisted, I encountered a beautiful professional attitude and an exceptionally high level of expertise.

Participating in the professional team meetings was particularly educational, as it allowed cases to be viewed from multiple perspectives. Child psychiatrists, psychologists, special education professionals, art therapists, and neuropsychologists were all present, each approaching the issue from their own professional standpoint. Furthermore, depending on which branch of the integrated therapeutic process they were involved in, they contributed different experiences and observations, creating opportunities for collaborative reflection and discussion.

As a volunteer, my primary responsibilities included taking notes, preparing materials for creative activities, and organizing the space. Beyond these tasks, however, I was also able to take part in the professionals’ discussions after the sessions, listen to their observations, and share my own perspectives, which they received with genuine interest. Overall, I gained invaluable professional experience. At the same time, the professionals consistently expressed appreciation for the value of my volunteer contribution to the process and thanked me for my work on numerous occasions.

In addition, Zita and Erika organize meetings specifically for volunteers, where we can share our experiences, discuss challenges, and receive support in our work. All in all, volunteering at Murmo is a wonderful opportunity, offering rich professional experience as well as countless opportunities for personal and professional growth.