Natalia Zachartzi, Scientific Director of the SEIRIOS Prevention Centres and ISSUP Greece Coordinator, participated in the 10th Freemind Conference, held in Brasília, Brazil, from November 16–19, 2025.
She contributed to the session titled “My adolescent child is not talking to me. And now?”, where she delivered a presentation on parental abilities with a particular focus on active listening. In her talk, she examined practical strategies that effectively foster open communication between parents and adolescents, as well as approaches that tend to be unhelpful or counterproductive. She emphasized how empathy, presence, and non-judgmental listening can create the conditions necessary for young people to feel safe expressing themselves, while also discussing common patterns—such as interrupting, overreacting, or offering quick solutions—that often hinder dialogue.
Her contribution aimed to equip parents and professionals with meaningful tools to rebuild trust, encourage genuine conversation, and deepen their understanding of the emotional challenges adolescents face during this complex developmental stage.
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