During therapy I focus on the needs of my client. In the first session, in a joint interview, we will find out what your needs are, what topics you would like to focus on, and together we will define the goals and topics for the next sessions. I use the methods of the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy and Mindfulness based on the client’s needs.

Usually, I use a combination of these methods based on the type of client and their problem.

Dialectical behavioral therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy. I work with this method in a more directive and educational manner. I teach the client skills such as acceptance, emotional regulation and the basics of mindfulness and social skills.

When necessary, we will look at the problem in more depth, and for this purpose I use my background in Gestalt therapy. In this method, we work with the present in dialogue with the client. Together we monitor the client's contact with me and the environment. We observe when they manage to stay in contact, when it is difficult for them and what helps them to manage the situation in order to be comfortable. For example, we find that the client is very angry, but does not express it and does not even know about it. I can see it on his/her non-verbal communication such as a clenched jaw or a raised voice.  I will describe this observation to the client and then we look at their anger together. Often the client has learned to manage their anger by turning it back at themselves or holding it inside without even realizing they are mad at something or somebody. Once the client has admitted and accepted their anger, they can understand it and use it appropriately.

The philosophy of Gestalt therapy is that contact heals. If we can be in contact with ourselves (with our emotions, thoughts and behavior), it is easier for us to be in contact with others, as well. We are able to meet our needs and the needs of the environment without much mental effort, stress and internal conflict.

Mindfulness is a great way to practice self-awareness and the awareness of our inner processes. It is also a stress-reduction technique. If you are into meditation, I would prefer to use this method. If not, then we would definitely go through it as one of the possible copeing strategies.

The process of therapy can be described simply as follows: We talk to each other and through conversation we explore your behavior, your thoughts and emotions. You bring up various topics from your life that either bother you or interest you, and together we discover how things happen to you in life. In dialogue, I use metaphors, imaginations and sometimes experiments or training. Or we can just talk while I help you raise your awareness of your functioning in the world. We are all unique and I will do my best to join you on your path to self-development and help you get as far as possible.

In long-term psychotherapy, after the first 5 sessions we will review the topics you want to work on and evaluate our cooperation to see if it is beneficial, whether we suit each other and whether we can imagine working this way together in the long term.