Dr. Mária Sonnevend
I work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, family therapist and psychotherapist. I earned my medical degree summa cum laude from Semmelweis University in 2007, followed by specializations in child and adolescent psychiatry in 2015 and psychotherapy in 2017. I have been working with couple and family therapy since 2009. My professional journey began during my medical school years as a volunteer at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of the 1st Department of Pediatrics at Semmelweis University, where I also completed my residency. Alongside my clinical work, I raise three children with my husband.
My therapeutic approach is deeply systemic, multidisciplinary, and focused on the power of community, which for children primarily means the family, but also encompasses the school environment and peer relationships. I firmly believe that the goal of treatment is true healing and the enhancement of quality of life. It brings me great joy to see individuals embark on their own paths, gain clarity, shed their burdens, and focus targetingly on what they need most in their specific life situations to achieve a fulfilled, happy life and harmonious relationships.
When working with children and adolescents, I integrate diagnostic assessments with a holistic view of the family system. During status assessments, we collaboratively explore where the blockages lie and what we need to shift so that the young person can adapt to life's challenges more easily and find joy. The "work areas" may include developmental variations, neurodevelopmental conditions, relational or attachment difficulties, as well as internal emotional conflicts and challenges in affect regulation. For certain conditions, thinking in systems is essential from the very beginning; in other cases, as the individual changes, their relationships with key people evolve as well. In family and couple therapy, the relationship itself is the "patient" that we aim to heal and relieve.
At Murmo, we work as a close-knit professional community, much like a well-equipped service center where we can recommend the right specialist for every unique need. Within this framework, I am available for the following clinical modalities:
Diagnostic questions and assessment: from preschool age through to adolescence, closely involving the family and, where necessary, teachers as well.
Individual Psychotherapy: Primarily with adolescents (typically aged 13 and above), utilizing methods that best support individuals who are capable of verbally articulating and sharing their internal states.
Family Therapy: I welcome families facing systemic challenges or relational difficulties (please note that I currently have capacity specifically for family therapy).
Pharmacotherapy: As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I manage medication treatments when indicated by the nature and severity of the condition, available up to the age of 18, or until the completion of high school studies for existing patients.
Family Therapist Trainer Candidate – Hungarian Family Therapy Association (MCSE, since 2021).
Awarded Demonstrator – Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Semmelweis University (2005–2006).
Co-Author of National Clinical Guidelines – Developed official professional guidelines on the topics of child and adolescent eating disorders and child abuse.
My commitment to the development of the next generation of professionals is reflected in my extensive scientific and educational activities. I have published 5 peer-reviewed articles, delivered 20 conference presentations, authored 1 book chapter, and presented 2 scientific posters. During my years at the 1st Department of Pediatrics, I actively participated in graduate and postgraduate medical education, training residents and mentoring students in advanced scientific research tracks (TDK). My dedication to supporting peers and colleagues was already evident during my university years: between 2002 and 2006, I worked as a tutor at the "huMánia" Career Socialization Workshop, which focused on preventing burnout among medical students, improving communication skills, and conducting Balint-style case discussions. My early dedication to direct patient care is also reflected in my volunteer work at the Pediatrics Department. I share these experiences with the Pro Juventa team as well.