There’s no sign but when you get there, all you have to do is ask a doorman for ‘the clinic’, and he’ll point the entrance to you. (There is no sign pointing the place out due to confidentiality reasons.) They’re on the bottom floor and their name is on the intercom. As you enter, the calm aura of minimalistic Maadi surrounds you. Their new receptionist is an artist, so you’ll be finding some fresh, new wall art that gives the place some flavour. We had coffee with the owner and manager of the place – Amal El-Zaafarany – who is also a licensed psychodramatist, and this is what we have to tell you about it..
We’ll start with basic questions. The purpose of these questions is to gather info that we’ll add to the map and can help people decide when choosing a place:
1. Hours:
10am – 10pm. Off on Fridays
2. Availability for After-Hours Contact:
Emergencies only, and clients can only contact the center, which would then get them in touch with the therapist. Reserves the right to not answer, but will take consideration of clients in certain conditions.
3. Walk-Ins:
No. Appointments only, and there is almost no waiting time. Sessions start sharp on time
4. Credentials/Specialisations:
All supervised, trained, and have at least a Master’s degree. No active addiction rehabilitation, and no child psychology available. They do however offer therapy to parents of kids, and they can also bring their children with them sometimes. Serenity offers individual sessions as well as groups for adolescents and adults. They also offer educational workshops to spread awareness on mental health.
5. Psychiatrists/Psychologists:
There are 5 psychologists and 2 psychiatrists who are trained and certified psychotherapists on board, as well as a psychodramatist.
6. Prices:
300 – 450 EGP based on therapist, does significant financial considerations to those in need of therapy and cannot afford it. Policy of never terminating therapy because of financial difficulties.
Look out for Serenity on our mental health map updates: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1zToJsYh4sSwXG9TW7INX0reKB2Q&ll=30.02681094471303%2C31.42498219999993&z=10
Then we can move on to the more subjective questions. These questions are not on the map but help us get to know Serenity better, and paint a clearer picture to us:
Q1: What would you say to people afraid of starting therapy? How would a first session look like?
A: You should make sure of your therapist and look out for red flags like physical contact, hasn’t been to therapy themselves, etc. There’s hope. Therapy is never going to harm you, and can always positively change your life. In the first sessions, clients are usually overwhelmed and therapists are mostly listening to get to know them more.
Q2: What can they do to help protect a client’s identity so they aren’t spotted by people they know?
A: Therapy sessions end 10-15 minutes before the next client’s, allowing time to leave without meeting other clients. The waiting area is around the corner from the entrance. Minors (under 18) need their parents or guardians’ signed approval before they start therapy, although therapists won’t reveal information about clients to their parents. (strict therapist/client confidentiality)
Q3: What would you tell parents that don’t believe in the legitimacy of therapy?
A: Parents that don’t believe in therapy need therapy themselves. But also to clients, “we need to forgive them because they didn’t know any better.”
Q4: When do you think a referral to a psychiatrist or starting medication is necessary? What about people that don’t believe in or are paranoid about medication for mental illnesses?
A: Medication is needed and that is why psychologists and psychiatrists need to work together as neither can do the other’s job. Therapy is crucial but often medication is needed for the therapy’s progress, although this is only for a few cases. (Medication is not often used, unless deemed necessary) We have psychiatrists who are psychotherapists on board we refer our clients to in addition to other contacts.
Q5: Have you noticed a trend lately in clientele seeking help?
A: Life issues like relationship and social issues mainly, in addition to anxiety and depression.
Some Pictures of The Center:
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