Attentiveness, presence and collaborative thinking form the foundation of our work together.
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Our Departments
Murmo’s specialists carry out diagnostic, therapeutic, developmental and professional support work across several closely collaborating departments.Diagnostic Team Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Assessment for Children and Young People
At the heart of Murmo’s diagnostic work is our aim to gain the most accurate, individualised and comprehensive understanding possible of the children and young people who come to us—not only in terms of their symptoms, but also their life circumstances, development and relational context. Our multidisciplinary team includes clinical psychologists, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a neuropsychologist, an art therapist and a special education specialist, who conduct assessments collaboratively with regular professional consultation. Comprehensive assessment may range from differential diagnosis to ADHD- and autism-specific protocols. The process always concludes with a written professional opinion, which we discuss with parents during a personal consultation. We believe that a diagnosis should mark the beginning of a process, not its end. Assessment findings are therefore always accompanied by specific professional recommendations and, where possible, a pathway to further care within our system.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Therapy Team Long-Term, Comprehensive Therapy Programmes for Children, Adolescents, and Their Families
The Lotilko Programme is one of Murmo’s core and longest-running child psychiatry programmes, developed for children and adolescents living with chronic, severe mental health difficulties and their families, with the support of the Pro Juventa Foundation for the Mental Health of Young People. The programme provides 12 months of comprehensive, long-term, systemic support. Individual therapy, group work, collaboration with parents and art-therapy methods work together and reinforce one another. Therapeutic work is organised across two age-based departments, combining elements and conceptual frameworks from MBT-A, skills training and TFP-A.
Lotilko, Varázsdoboz & Szabad Kikötő Department
Ages 9–14 The ages of 9 to 14 represent a critical stage in emotional development and identity formation. During this period, early intervention can help prevent the development of more severe personality and mood disorders. In our comprehensive, age-specific therapeutic work and group sessions, we combine verbal and non-verbal approaches, including art therapy methods. Particular attention is given to developing awareness of emotional regulation, impulsivity, and relational patterns. Strengthening these skills can serve as an important long-term protective factor for the child.Lotilko Grund and Kilátó Department
Ages 14–18 In the 14–18 age group, we work with more clearly emerging personality and mood disorders. Where needed, we place particular emphasis on preparing a carefully planned transition to adult mental health services, as well as addressing the individual and family challenges associated with increasing independence and separation. We work proactively to ensure that young people do not lose access to care when they reach adulthood and that continuity of the support they need can be maintained.Group Therapy Services Department Therapeutic, Developmental, Preventive, and Parent Groups
Group-based therapeutic and developmental work is one of the central pillars of Murmo’s clinical practice. International research consistently shows that group psychotherapy can produce effective and substantial improvements for children and adolescents in mental health, behavioural difficulties and social functioning alike. In our work, we place particular emphasis on expanding access to group therapy, especially for adolescents. This format is well suited to social and emotional developmental needs and can function as a developmental bridge between childhood and adulthood. At Murmo, group work takes place across four complementary areas, all operating in the spirit of the ARTÉZI approach.
1. Therapy Groups
Our child and adolescent psychiatry therapy groups—including the Lotilko Programme's Varázsdoboz, Szabad Kikötő, Grund, and Kilátó groups—provide a structured, long-term therapeutic framework for children and adolescents living with severe and chronic mental health difficulties. Group therapy is not intended to replace individual psychotherapy but to complement it. The relational dynamics that emerge within the group create unique therapeutic opportunities and insights that are not always accessible in an individual therapeutic setting.2. Developmental and Social Skills Groups
Some of our groups—including Konnekt, Kis Konnekt, Nagykonnekt, Macskák, Kidoboló, and SZOKOM—are designed for neurodivergent children, providing support in social communication, emotional regulation, and community participation. These groups combine developmental and therapeutic approaches. Within a safe, professionally facilitated peer environment, children gain valuable social learning experiences that are difficult to recreate in other settings.3. Prevention Groups
Some of our groups—including Ebcsont, Vakkantó, and Koktit—are specifically designed as preventive programmes. They provide support for children and adolescents whose risk factors have already been identified but who have not yet developed severe clinical symptoms. Research shows that interventions strengthening parents' emotional well-being and coping strategies can lead to better academic, behavioural, and social outcomes for children. For this reason, our prevention groups are complemented by dedicated parent support components whenever appropriate.4. Parent Groups and Parent Education
Group work with parents—including the MBT-I psychoeducational parent group, the Reflective Parenting Group, and ADHD and ASD parent education—is a defining element of Murmo’s approach. Psychoeducational group programmes for parents can help create a more positive emotional climate in the parent–child relationship, increase parental warmth and acceptance, and reduce critical attitudes.Neurodevelopmental Team Assessment and Personalised Support for Neurodivergent Children
A significant proportion of the difficulties experienced by children and adolescents receiving care at Murmo are related to neurodevelopmental differences. These may include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or their co-occurrence with other developmental and emotional difficulties. Our experience in recent years has shown that these issues play an increasingly important role in the lives of the children and families who come to us. This is why we established our Neurodevelopmental Team and continue to develop it.
What Does the Team Do?
The Neurodevelopmental Team is not solely focused on assessment, although our diagnostic process is comprehensive and multidisciplinary. Its primary goal is to ensure that, following diagnosis, every child and family receives a personalised pathway of care tailored to their individual needs. Respecting the principles of neurodiversity, we offer a wide range of services and support options, including:- Individual psychotherapy
- Art therapy and non-verbal therapeutic approaches
- Social communication groups, such as SZOKOM
- ASD-specific groups for adolescents, such as Konnekt
- ADHD groups, such as Kidoboló and RGM
- Learning skills support, such as Tan-tech
- Parent psychoeducation groups
- Professionally facilitated therapeutic camps
What Makes This Approach Unique?
Our team brings together clinical psychologists, special education professionals, neuropsychologists, and art therapists, working collaboratively to provide integrated and personalised care. One of our core principles is that neurodiversity is not, in itself, a disorder. However, the way a neurodivergent child learns, builds relationships, experiences emotions, and navigates the world may require specialised understanding and targeted support. Whenever possible, we complement our group-based services with individual therapeutic support, ensuring that each child's needs are addressed in a comprehensive and personalised way. Parental involvement is also an integral part of our work. Through psychoeducation, consultations, and parent groups, we support families in understanding and responding to their child's unique strengths and challenges.Mentor Program Professional Integration and Ongoing Support for New Murmo Colleagues
New colleagues joining Murmo require specialised professional support. Although they typically arrive with experience gained elsewhere, the work we do—providing long-term therapeutic support for people living with personality disorders, autism spectrum disorder, or severe and complex family circumstances—together with Murmo’s distinctive model of teamwork creates a professional environment that cannot be mastered overnight or solely by relying on knowledge brought from elsewhere. The mentoring programme aims to support safe professional integration, orientation within the system and continuous professional development.
Key Functions of the Programme
Transparent Quality Assurance and Shared Responsibility The process includes an open and transparent system of professional oversight. We monitor the work together and address any difficulties collaboratively. This level of close support is gradually reduced after the initial period. During their first months, new colleagues are not expected to carry sole responsibility for challenging correspondence, consultations, or professional decisions. An experienced team member is always available in the background to follow the case and provide support.
Professional Development Opportunity
Although a wide range of support is available through teamwork, the intensive weekly case discussions, review of theoretical frameworks, and shared reflection provide exceptional opportunities for professional growth.
These sessions create time and space to engage with professional topics that may not always receive sufficient attention in the everyday work of other institutions.
Safety and Protection
The programme aims to create a safe environment where new colleagues feel able to ask questions, speak openly, and are not left to face demanding situations alone.
In addition to safeguarding professional standards, this collaborative way of working also protects and supports the staff member.
A Professional and Supportive Community
New colleagues who join at around the same time also grow close professionally and personally throughout the process. Alongside sharing the challenges of the work, there is room for informal and enjoyable moments as well. Later, participants continue to meet as familiar colleagues in other professional settings at Murmo, which is particularly valuable in a team of this size.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or would like to arrange an appointment, please get in touch with us.
Social and Professional Responsibility
The commitments behind the MURMO Centre for Specialist Psychology and Art Therapy are rooted in the work of the Pro Juventa Foundation which has been active for 30 years. We believe that access to mental healthcare for children and adolescents should not be a privilege, but an opportunity available to everyone. In this spirit, our team regularly undertakes pro bono work, providing free or reduced-fee care to families and young people who would otherwise be unable to access professional psychological support because of their financial circumstances. We know that the most serious crises do not discriminate by social background, so we strive to keep our doors open even when the wider system puts up barriers.
With the same conviction, we take our own professional development seriously. We actively participate in international training programmes and collaborations: members of our team receive MBT-A and TFP-A supervision from leading international experts in these approaches, represent the Hungarian clinical community at conferences, and continuously integrate the latest research findings into their everyday practice.
We do not keep what we learn to ourselves. We organise training programmes for professionals and develop awareness-raising initiatives for educators and parents, because we firmly believe that promoting a culture of mentalization is a task that concerns society as a whole.
Our goal is to maintain a professional environment where high standards and broad accessibility support one another rather than exist in opposition.
Child psychodiagnostic assessment
A psychological assessment for children, using individual tests and, where appropriate, a group diagnostic session to support the development of therapeutic recommendations.
Child psychodiagnostic assessment
A comprehensive diagnostic assessment requires a minimum of five sessions, depending on how the presenting difficulties and relevant background become clearer during the first one or two interview sessions. During the assessment, we get to know the child or adolescent and carry out psychological assessments. At the end of the process, we determine whether therapy is recommended and, if so, in what form. The diagnostic process may also include a group session attended by the child and two specialists. This gives us an opportunity to observe and get to know the child or adolescent in a group setting as well. Diagnostic group sessions are held once a month in age-based groups.
Child and adolescent therapy
Child and adolescent therapy using age-appropriate, play-based or conversation-based methods.
Child and adolescent therapy
When therapy is recommended, we use age-appropriate methods and tools to find the most effective way of connecting with the child or adolescent. The aim of the therapeutic process is to work together towards a way forward from the difficulties they are facing. With younger children, therapy is primarily play-based, while with adolescents conversation also plays a more prominent role.
Parent Guidance
Guidance for parents during their child’s therapy, offering opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback on the work being carried out with the child.
Parent Guidance
During the child’s therapy, we provide opportunities for parents to ask questions and receive feedback about the therapeutic work being carried out with their child.
Parent Consultation
Parent consultation for parenting questions, uncertain situations or difficulties experienced by parents, without involving the child in an assessment or therapy.
Parent Consultation
Parent consultations provide an opportunity to discuss difficulties concerning the child and, where relevant, the family without placing the child in a therapeutic or assessment situation. We aim to provide support and guidance with parenting difficulties, uncertainty and situations in which parents may feel stuck.
Adult psychodiagnostic assessment
Psychodiagnostic assessment for adults experiencing difficulties, feeling stuck or facing a challenging life situation.
Adult psychodiagnostic assessment
This service is intended for adults who are facing a difficulty or problem and feel stuck in a particular life situation. Psychodiagnostic assessment includes an initial interview and a range of psychological tests. These help us decide together whether some form of therapy may be helpful in addressing the difficulty.
Adult Therapy
Individual therapy for adults experiencing personal difficulties, feeling stuck or facing relationship problems, using an approach suited to their needs.
Adult Therapy
Depending on the individual and the nature of the difficulty, we use cognitive behavioural therapy or psychoanalytically oriented therapy. In some situations — for example addictions, eating disorders or relationship difficulties — involving family members may be essential. In these cases, we also offer consultation-based support to relatives, couples and families.
Family Therapy
Family therapy supports the understanding and development of family relationships, communication patterns and ways of functioning together.
Family Therapy
An individual’s difficulties and psychological concerns can often be understood more clearly and addressed more effectively when family members participate in therapy together.
During family therapy, the family’s structure, relationships, interactions and communication patterns become more visible and understandable.
Where necessary, these patterns can then be changed.
By building on the family’s existing strengths and resources, the therapists actively support the changes needed.
The aim is to restore balance within the family, move away from ineffective patterns and develop new relationships and behaviors that support emotional well-being.
Group Therapy
Group therapy for children and adolescents, where they can develop relationship, communication, and conflict-resolution skills with the support of peers and professionals.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides a special and safe setting where children or adolescents can meet peers in similar life situations. The group functions as a kind of “miniature society”. During the sessions, children begin to behave and relate much as they do in everyday life, for example at school or within the family. This gives them the opportunity, with the support of professionals and within real interpersonal situations, to understand and change behavioural and relational patterns that cause difficulties. Parents often find that their child becomes isolated with their problems. In the group, young people can experience that they are not alone with their anxieties, failures or difficulties. This in itself can provide significant relief and strength. Participants learn not only from the therapists but also from one another. They experience the power of feedback while developing their emotional intelligence, communication and conflict-management skills. Group therapy is not simply a series of individual conversations; it draws on the shared strength of the group as a whole to contain, support and help children on their way towards greater confidence in everyday life.
Counseling
Counseling for challenging life situations, crises, family or relationship problems and difficulties with decision-making.
Counseling
Long-term therapy is not always necessary when someone feels stuck in a particular life situation.
In such cases, it may be enough for a psychologically healthy person to receive support in strengthening their decision-making abilities, recognizing their roles in life and managing them effectively.
Counseling can help people adapt to change, manage crises or difficult situations more effectively and reduce internal tension.
Counseling may be recommended during certain crises, family or relationship difficulties, challenges in managing everyday life, workplace or career decisions, or during a period of rehabilitation.
Counseling can provide support for both individuals and groups.
Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychological assessment for children aged six months to eighteen years, focusing on the evaluation and support of cognitive functions.
Neuropsychological Assessment
Clinical neuropsychology works in close collaboration with neurology and focuses on the assessment and treatment of cognitive functions. These include perception, attention, executive functions, memory, language, writing, reading and numeracy. Neuropsychological work helps identify and provide therapeutic support for congenital or acquired difficulties. In our practice, we work with children from six months to 18 years of age and their families.
