Inside UKT Day Clinic for Children

Job title and how long have you been with TKK?

I hold a degree in education and am a child and adolescent psychotherapist; I have served as the therapeutic director of the Children’s Day Clinic since September 2021.

Why do you enjoy working at TKK?

I really enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team; everyone has their own perspective on the children, and together as a team, we can best help the children and their families. Plus, there’s always something going on here, and all the staff members have a big heart for the children.

What's one thing you can't do without during a workday?

The day starts with a big cup of green tea, then it’s all about juggling the various tasks as best as possible and enjoying pleasant interactions with coworkers, and on a particularly stressful day, the candy drawer in the nurses’ station is a must.

Who is or was your childhood hero?

I had many childhood heroes, from Ariel the Mermaid to Sissi, from Mary Poppins to Pippi Longstocking. I think what they all have in common is that they sometimes try new and unusual approaches and never give up, so that something new and good can come of it. I try to apply this to my work as well.

What was one of your best TKK moments?

Joint projects like “Day Clinic’s Search for a Superstar”—where the nursing staff worked together with the patients to bring an idea to life, and the children were able to gain a lot of strength and self-confidence—are great, but so are game nights with colleagues and our small celebration marking the TKK’s 20th anniversary.

Job title and how long have you been with TKK?

Pediatric nurse since TK began in 2004—that is, for 21 years

Why do you enjoy working at TKK?

I really enjoy working with patients and their families. It’s varied, never boring, and sometimes challenging—but no matter your age, you always grow from these experiences because we’re a dream team, and even after all these years, I still look forward to coming to work every day.

What's one thing you can't do without during a workday?

A deep sense of empathy and respect for patients and their families; a team I can laugh with and on whom I can always rely 100%; interdisciplinary collaboration with other professional groups; and a sense of appreciation.

Who is or was your childhood hero?

Pippi Longstocking and My Cousin

What was one of your best TKK moments?

The two-week VIA training program at the day clinic, where the entire team worked together to design the program, cooked our own meals every day, and rehearsed a play that we performed for the parents at the end. It was rewarding to see that some of my patients had made noticeable progress and were able to benefit from the day clinic.

Job title and how long have you been with TKK?

I am an occupational therapist and have been working at the children's day clinic for 2 years.

What's one thing you can't do without during a workday?

A pencil and a blank sheet of paper, creativity, spontaneity

Who is or was your childhood hero?

Pippi Longstocking

What was one of your best moments?

There are so many. I always really enjoy the field trips during vacation—whether we go to a farm or the swimming pool. I also find the one-on-one sessions with patients particularly rewarding; it’s especially nice when they experience a sense of accomplishment during our sessions and recognize it as such.

Job title and how long have you been with TKK?

Psychotherapist; with TKK since November 2024

Why do you enjoy working at TKK?

I enjoy working at the day clinic because I find the work rewarding and feel like I can make a difference. By working closely together as part of a multidisciplinary team, we can provide families with long-term support. Teamwork is also very important to me. If you have any questions or problems, you can always turn to your colleagues. The diversity of the patients is very exciting and educational for me.

What's one thing you can't do without during a workday?

Working directly with the children and their families is very important to me. That’s why maintaining regular contact with patients is essential. I also place a high value on teamwork and a good relationship with my colleagues. That’s why I really value not only professional exchanges with my colleagues but also taking breaks together and participating in occasional leisure activities.

Who is or was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was the Sams. It was curious and cheeky, but also very lovable. It was always brave during its adventures. Even though it played a lot of pranks, it was always loyal and helpful, and it always supported and defended the people who really mattered to it.

What was one of your best TKK moments?

One particularly heartwarming moment was the discharge of a patient who was initially very reserved and withdrawn. At first, he clearly had a hard time trusting us and opening up during conversations. Over time, however, we were able to build a good relationship and work toward his therapy goals step by step. By the time of his discharge, the patient had already made significant progress and seemed very proud of it. His parents were also greatly relieved and grateful. Being part of this wonderful journey was a truly rewarding experience for me.

Job title and how long have you been with TKK?

Youth and Residential Care Worker, Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, at the Day Clinic since September 2006

Why do you enjoy working at TKK?

The work is varied; you support children with a range of conditions, work in an interdisciplinary team, get to know many different professional groups, and learn new things. It’s a great mix of therapy, education, nursing, school, and family. Relationship-building: Because we don’t work shifts and are always there when the patients are, we often form close, trusting relationships without losing the necessary professional distance. There’s a strong sense of teamwork. In summary: I appreciate the mix of therapeutic work, teamwork, variety, and the opportunity to empower children and adolescents in real-life situations.

What's one thing you can't do without during a workday?

Humor, relationship-building, patient interaction, effective team communication, structure and routines, group activities, and self-reflection

Who is or was your childhood hero?

Pippi Longstocking, because of her courage and independence, and my aunt

What was one of your best TKK moments?

When patients ask me how I know that, I often say that I'm Superman and I can see through walls. Sometimes I add, "Or have you ever seen Superman and me in the same place?"

Job title and how long have you been with TKK?

Special education teacher, at TKK since May 2022

Why do you enjoy working at TKK?

I enjoy teaching both groups and individuals. This makes it easier to build strong, lasting relationships. I also appreciate the close collaboration among the various professional groups.

What's one thing you can't do without during a workday?

Coffee, good music, and a short, engaging story to get the students in the right frame of mind for the school day.

Who is or was your childhood hero?

Astrid Lindgren and Markus Wasmeier.

What was one of your best TKK moments?

These moments happen whenever students, parents, and we adults at TKK truly work together on the children’s development!