Maryam Essa Al-khulaifi

Reflective Insights from a Psychology Trainee in Pediatric Oncology and Palliative Care

Maryam Essa Al-khulaifi

UNESCO

me.al-khulaifi@unesco.org

This presentation offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of a psychology trainee working with children in cancer care and palliative care settings. Drawing from a reflective journal maintained throughout my training, I will share personal narratives and observations that highlight the emotional and professional growth encountered during this period. The journal entries provide a candid look at the interactions with young patients, their caregivers, and the broader hospital culture. These reflections not only capture the challenges and triumphs faced by the children and their families but also illustrate the complexities of navigating the healthcare system as a mental health professional. Through these stories, I aim to shed light on the profound impact of pediatric oncology and palliative care on both patients and healthcare providers.

Key themes of the presentation will include:

1. **Professional Development**: Insights into how these experiences have shaped my growth as a mental health professional, including the development of empathy, resilience, and clinical skills.

2. **Healthcare System Insights**: Observations on the strengths and areas for improvement within the healthcare system, particularly in the context of pediatric oncology and palliative care.

3. **Emotional Journeys**: The emotional highs and lows experienced by both the children and their caregivers, and how these have influenced my approach to care.

4. **Ethical Considerations**: The importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and the strategies employed to anonymize sensitive information while preserving the integrity of the narratives.

5. **Humanistic Person-Centered Approaches**: Emphasis on humanistic person-centered approaches in providing care, focusing on empathy, respect, and individualized support for each patient.

This 20-minute presentation will not only provide a personal perspective on the realities of working in pediatric oncology and palliative care but also offer valuable insights for other healthcare professionals. By sharing these reflective journal entries, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional dimensions of pediatric cancer care, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment.

BIOGRAPHY

Maryam Al-Khulaifi is a versatile professional based in Doha, Qatar, with extensive experience in program development, funding, and psychological support. Currently, she serves as a Programme Associate at UNESCO, focusing on educational and cultural initiatives. Maryam has a rich background in managing funding programs and organizing international festivals. Her career highlights include working as a National Expert under the UNV Programme on projects like the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict. Maryam's educational background is robust, with an MSc in Palliative Care from King’s College London and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also holds diplomas in End-of-Life Therapy and Art/Music Therapy. Her training includes a Certificate in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy for Traumatized Individuals, Ethics, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN Personnel. Maryam is a verified counselor in the UK. In her counseling career, Maryam interned at the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, providing counseling to children and caregivers using humanistic, person-centered, and play therapy approaches. She has also worked as a counselor with minor asylum seekers and volunteered with Hestia Hellas NGO in Athens, offering psychological support to refugee children. Her film career includes roles as an Executive Film Producer and Film Fund Manager at the Doha Film Institute, where she managed the Qatari Film Fund and organized numerous film festivals and retrospectives. Maryam is fluent in English and Arabic, with intermediate proficiency in Japanese.