Mental health
‘Loneliness in the Time of Hopelessness: Can Hope Disappoint?’
Today, the world seems to be much more attuned to mental health issues and knowledge. Despite these advancements, there is growing concern that children and young people are less resilient and more prone to struggling with challenges and the theme of loneliness seems to be amongst them.
The relationship between loneliness and physical illness is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to health and mental health.
Addressing loneliness involves understanding its physiological and psychological effects, encouraging social connections, and building resilient communities. By identifying and addressing the root causes of loneliness, it is possible to improve mental and physical health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals at all stages of life.
In line with this year's Convergence theme: ‘True Companionship’, a group of mental health professionals will reflect on their experiences with teenage and young adult patients. The intention is not to convey the patients’ stories but to discuss the impact these stories have on the therapists. This panel aims to explore questions such as what feelings are triggered in therapists when encountering loneliness in patients, the psychological meaning of feeling lonely, whether it reflects life in current society, and what patients seek in their relationships with therapists.
Our vision at Convergence is to create a platform that brings together professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world to exchange ideas, learn from each other and create meaningful relationships.
Mental Health - speakers
Dr Alec Pembleton
Dr Alec Pembleton is a Psychiatrist and Systemic Therapist with an interest in how people connect with each other and how he can contribute to fostering better relationships.
Alec trained in Liverpool, gaining experience working with drug users and families where a young person was experiencing psychosis. This experience sparked his interest in the role of families as resources for people in distress, leading him to train in Family Systemic Therapy while completing his higher training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
His current interest in loneliness explores both cultural shifts and the narratives surrounding loneliness, as well as the changing personal experience of loneliness, including moments of solitude and the lessons they can offer individuals.
Dr Giovanna Moretto
Dr Giovanna Moretto has been a Clinical Psychologist since 2006. She has worked for the Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for 15 years. She is now working as a principal psychologist for CAMHS in Cheshire. She is a qualified Interpersonal therapy (IPT-A) therapist and supervisor and evidence-based intervention for moderate and severe depression in adolescence. She is intensively involved in supporting young people presenting various severe mental health problems. Her special interests are depression, trauma and psychogenic movement disorders in young people.
Dr Martin O’Sullivan
Dr Martin O’Sullivan is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist since 1999. He has worked as a Consultant at Guy's Hospital, in London, Mater Hospital in Dublin and in Northland, New Zealand during that period. He is now working as a Hospital-based Paediatric Liaison Psychiatrist in Dublin. Currently, his team deal with a large number of crisis episodes of care annually.
Gisele Mendonca
Gisele Mendonca has been a Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist since 2006. She has worked for various Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for 15 years. For the past 8 years, Gisele has worked in her private practice, helping children of all ages and their families to understand and overcome their emotional difficulties. She also works for OXPIP (Oxford Parent Infant Project), a charity organisation which offers intensive therapeutic help to parents and infants, from conception to two years. She is a training teacher and supervisor.
