Update on Dr. Ali Hussein and SCM Medical Missions’ Free Clinic in Sidon

Visit Report: Psychological Support Services at Dar Al Yateem Al Arabi

Prepared by: Ranim Shehadi, Clinical Psychologist
SCM Medical Center
Reporting Period: 30 June 2025 – 22 May 2026

Overview

As the psychologist representing SCM Medical Center, I began my visits to Dar Al Yateem Al Arabi orphanage on 30 June 2025. The purpose of these visits has been to provide psychological assessment and emotional support to the children residing at the institution, with a particular focus on identifying severe cases requiring immediate psychological intervention and ongoing therapeutic care.

Throughout the reporting period, psychological services included comprehensive assessments, individual support sessions, and structured therapeutic interventions tailored to each child’s emotional and behavioral needs.

Session Hours

• From 30 June 2025 until 19 September 2025: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• From 19 September 2025 onward: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

The reduction in working hours limited the available therapy time, requiring modifications to session scheduling and prioritization of the most urgent and severe cases.

Session Duration

• Approximately 50 minutes per child

Therapeutic Intervention

The program began with comprehensive psychological assessments for the children residing at the orphanage. Based on these evaluations, four severe cases were prioritized for structured therapeutic intervention due to the intensity of their emotional and behavioral difficulties.

These children received regular weekly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions, with continuous monitoring of their psychological progress and adjustments to treatment plans according to their evolving needs.

In addition, supportive sessions were conducted with the remaining children who did not require immediate intensive therapy. These meetings focused on building trust, emotional expression, psychological support, and strengthening coping skills within a safe therapeutic environment.

Case Updates

1. S (Female)
S was identified as one of the most urgent cases due to significant emotional and behavioral difficulties. She initially presented with:
• A limited ability to feel or express emotions, particularly related to love, safety, or attachment
• High levels of aggression toward peers and siblings
• Difficulty regulating anger and forming trusting relationships

S required considerable time before beginning to respond positively to therapy. During the initial stages, emotional withdrawal and defensive behaviors were highly evident. However, over time, she demonstrated gradual but meaningful improvement, including:
• Better emotional engagement during sessions
• Reduced aggression within the orphanage environment
• Increased ability to express emotions and tolerate emotional closeness
• Improved communication and participation during therapeutic activities

Recently, despite the psychological impact of the war situation in Lebanon and the increased stress associated with instability and fear, S has continued to show noticeable behavioral improvement. Current therapeutic work is focused on strengthening coping tools, emotional regulation strategies, and helping her process feelings of fear, insecurity, and tension related to ongoing external stressors.

Her progress reflects a positive response to long-term structured psychological support and behavioral interventions, although continued follow-up remains essential.

2. A (Male; S’s Brother)
A initially presented as highly intelligent and perceptive, but struggled with:
• Self-centered behavior
• Emotional instability and fluctuating moods
• Difficulty managing frustration and interpersonal interactions

Over the course of therapy, A showed significant progress, including:
• Improved cooperation during sessions
• Greater emotional stability
• Better communication skills
• Increased prosocial behavior within the orphanage environment

He responded positively to CBT-based emotional regulation techniques and demonstrated growing insight into his emotions and behaviors.

However, following the war-related events and the heightened stress experienced in Lebanon, A began showing signs of emotional relapse. These included increased irritability, emotional tension, difficulty regulating reactions, and periods of withdrawal and emotional inconsistency.

Therapeutic work is currently focused on helping him rebuild emotional stability, strengthen coping mechanisms, process stress and fear related to external events, and improve emotional expression in healthier ways. Despite the recent setbacks, A continues to engage in therapy, and ongoing intervention remains beneficial for maintaining and restoring his previous progress.

3. L (Female, 14 years old)
L, the older sister of S and A, presented with significant anger-related difficulties, particularly following visits from her mother at the orphanage. These visits appeared to trigger intense emotional reactions, including irritability, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty managing frustration.

Therapeutic work with L focused on helping her understand the connection between her emotions, thoughts, and behavioral responses. Psychoeducation was provided regarding emotional regulation, unresolved feelings related to family dynamics, and the impact of abandonment, disappointment, and attachment-related stress.

Interventions included:
• Teaching emotional identification and expression skills
• Introducing grounding and breathing exercises during moments of anger
• Developing coping strategies to reduce impulsive reactions
• Encouraging healthy communication of emotions instead of aggressive responses
• Strengthening self-awareness regarding emotional triggers

L gradually became more open during sessions and showed increasing insight into her emotional reactions. Continued support remains important to help her build healthier coping mechanisms and emotional stability.

4. T (Female, 13 years old)
T presented as extremely shy, withdrawn, and hesitant in social interactions. She demonstrated low self-confidence, difficulty expressing herself openly, and high levels of self-doubt during both individual interactions and group settings.

Therapeutic sessions focused on creating a safe and supportive environment to encourage emotional expression and improve self-esteem. Interventions included:
• Confidence-building exercises and positive self-talk techniques
• Gradual encouragement of verbal participation during sessions
• Emotional validation and supportive communication
• Activities aimed at identifying personal strengths and achievements
• Relaxation and anxiety-reduction techniques to reduce social tension

Over time, T became more comfortable engaging in conversation and participating during sessions. Although she continues to struggle with self-confidence, she has shown gradual improvement in communication and emotional expression.

Ongoing Assessments

In addition to the ongoing therapeutic work, psychological assessments have recently begun with two new boys admitted to the program. Initial sessions are currently focused on evaluation, behavioral observation, emotional assessment, and identifying their psychological needs in order to determine the most appropriate therapeutic interventions and support plans moving forward.

Conclusion

The psychological support program has contributed to noticeable emotional and behavioral improvement in several children through continuous assessment, CBT-based interventions, emotional support, and coping-skills training. Despite ongoing external stressors, including the impact of the war situation in Lebanon, the children continue to benefit from structured psychological care and regular therapeutic follow-up.