A psychologist in cardiac rehabilitation

During our cardiac rehabilitation program, patients work with a psychologist to create optimal conditions for recovering, making it easier for them to prepare for changing risky lifestyle habits and providing support in achieving an optimal quality of life.

How can a psychologist help with my heart?

Illness and hospital stays are stressful life events. So naturally, they trigger specific changes in how we feel. However, low mood and anxiety can negatively affect recovery.

A conversation with a psychologist can help understand the disease and the patient's reactions to it and help him/her to adapt to the changes it brings in everyday life. That is why, in our rehabilitation program of Thalassotherapia Opatija, patients are scheduled to work with a psychologist through various educations, lectures, and individual or group counselling. Depending on the reason for the visit, patients can fill out questionnaires at the psychologist's office that will help them express their emotions and mood, talk about what they are going through, learn how to change risky lifestyle habits, and deal with stressful situations.

What does an appointment with a psychologist look like? (depending on the reason for the visit)?

• You will fill out questionnaires that can help you express your emotions and mood
• You will talk about what you are going through and how the disease has affected your activities so far
• You will learn to change risky lifestyle habits and deal with stressful situations.

The psychologist's role in the cardiac rehabilitation program is significant; your mental health is a prerequisite for successful rehabilitation and ensuring the quality of life we want for all our patients.