“We are part of children’s everyday lives. We support them, we laugh with them, we share stories. Sometimes it’s chaotic, but it’s a beautiful mix.”
Dimitra, Psychologist at The HOME Project
Prior to joining The HOME Project, Dimitra had worked with refugees for several years. What drew her in was the organization’s genuine investment in its people. “Working in this field is emotionally intense”, she says. “What convinced me to join was seeing how seriously The HOME Project takes support, through supervision facilitated by external professionals, open dialogue, and a real focus on the wellbeing of the team. That kind of care makes a huge difference, especially in our line of work”.
Dimitra works as a resident psychologist in one of our shelters for teenage boys. She works with each child individually, usually once a week, though coordinating sessions isn’t always straightforward. “Scheduling around school hours, extracurricular activities, and interpreter availability can be a challenge”, she explains.
All children receive mental health support, but cultural differences often shape what that looks like. “Some boys don’t want to talk. They are closed off, afraid, or simply unfamiliar with what a psychologist does. Others struggle to articulate their emotions or view talking about their feelings as a sign of weakness”, she clarifies. Dimitra knows how to adapt accordingly. “If a structured session isn’t possible, I’ll catch up with them informally, check in, see how they’re doing. You have to be flexible and meet them where they are. And it’s crucial to remember: small steps, one at a time”.
Every intervention Dimitra provides is part of an Individual Development Plan, carefully tailored by The HOME Project Child Protection Unit to address each child’s specific needs. When it comes to mental health, our in-house psychologists work closely with both the Mental Health Coordinator and the Child Psychiatrist. They also participate in weekly supervision sessions led by external professionals—an essential safeguard not only against burnout but also to help them stay grounded, feel supported, and be fully present for the children they care for.
The needs of the children vary: from general mental health check-ins to deeper conversations around trauma, behavior, and navigating cultural expectations. “Sometimes we talk about practical things like how to communicate with others, how to behave in public, how to approach women respectfully. There’s often a cultural gap we need to bridge”.
Building trust is essential, but not always easy. “I have solid relationships with most of the boys”, she says, “but some, especially the older ones or those who get frustrated over their curfew or other house rules, can be harder to reach. They might interpret a necessary boundary as rejection”. The age difference adds another layer. “I’m not old enough to be their mother, so sometimes they’re unsure how to relate to me. It’s something I constantly need to navigate”.
Still, there are bright moments of connection. “It’s easier with the younger boys, they’re more open, and bonds form faster. But even when things get tough, I know that it’s all part of the job”.
Dimitra copes with the emotional weight of her work by leaning on the team. “Every Friday, we run a clinical supervision. It’s a safe space to talk through difficult cases”. The shelter staff also meets weekly to discuss shared challenges. “We often face the same issues with the same boys. Being able to share and problem-solve together really helps”.
Despite the demanding nature of the role, she finds deep meaning and joy in it. “We work in the boys’ home. We are part of their everyday lives. We support them, we laugh with them, we share stories. Sometimes it’s chaotic, but it’s a beautiful mix”.