Psychotherapy
The first few sessions are about getting to know each other, discussing current problems and then exploring the past. This provides the basis for a - typically verbal - therapy contract which includes the initial method and approach, the length of the therapy, its aim or goals, and the work required to achieve them. This is an undertaking of which the patient holds the greater part; facing our fears, our vulnerabilities is not a small issue. We work together to shape the therapeutic path with its detours, even with modifications and with inclusion of other methods. The psychotherapeutic relationship is not a traditional doctor-patient relationship. We are allies working together towards a common aim: the improvement of the patient's mental state.
Used forms of the therapies
Behaviour therapy
Behaviour therapy carries its meaning in its name: the problem lies in the behaviour, someone doing too much or too little of certain things. Therefore, the aim is to change, correct or even eliminate the abnormal behaviour patterns or to develop the missing but necessary behaviours.
Indications: externally observable behavioural disorders, e.g. sleep disorders, impulse control disorders, sexual dysfunction, compulsions, phobias
Cognitive therapy
Cognitive therapy is a form of internal behavioural therapy. We are not just looking for what the patient is actually doing, but also for why they are doing it. We seek out the underlying attitudes and thinking patterns, and in the light of this, we try to create more useful and effective foundations.
Indication: anxiety and mood disorders, personality problems, stress management difficulties, burnout
Relaxation training
The soul does not exist in itself, but in close relationship and cooperation with the body. For this reason, it is important to know our body, to recognise its signals. Relaxation methods are helpful to gain awareness of bodily sensations, to relax the body and to achieve a sense of harmony. There are many methods from which we choose the one that suits the patient's individual preference.
Used methods: autogenic training by Schultz, progressive relaxation by Jacobson, mindfulness ("conscious presence")
Indication: anxiety and mood disorders, psychosomatic disorders - but honestly, it is highly useful for everyone
Psychotherapic crisis intervention
Reasonably, it is needed when a sudden difficult life situation arises that creates an emotional crisis. In such cases, therapy focuses on dealing with it in a targeted way.
Indication: loss, grief, serious illness, injury, existential threat
Supporting therapy (Supportation)
The depth and intensity of the therapy depends greatly on the patient's choice. Cognitive therapy has one contraindication: if the patient does not want it. Even if they do not wish to delve into their own psyche, they may still have problems in which they can benefit from the supportive therapy. It can help with identifying the real problem, solving difficulties in life management, dealing with phisical or mental illnesses. Supplementing the treatment of these, they may benefit from the supportive, helpful, non-judgmental environment that psychotherapy can provide.
Indication: the conditions for cognitive therapy are not given, but there is a need and demand for psychological support
KIP (Guided imagery)
Katathym-imaginative basic level psychotherapy with Leuner images.
KIP Therapy stimulates the subconscious. In a conscious and relaxed state, we imagine a "movie" corresponding to images with the help of invocations. Energies of tension from the depth of the soul is allowed to be released and manifested in a symbolic form.
I usually recommend KIP therapy when we both feel that the contents locked in the subconscious are hindering the patient's unfolding.
Indication: anxiety and mood disorders, personality problems
Used methods: Psychological tests / questionnaires
The tests I use fall into two groups.
One group of tests provides information about the current state: the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Taylor Scale indicate anxiety, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) indicates the level of depression at the given time.
The other group of tests measure deeper, more stable traits: the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) measures deeper attitudes and the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSK) measures thinking patterns.
No medicines or medical aids are prescribed or used during the therapy.
Documentation
I do not take notes during therapy sessions. After the sessions I make short memos, which are recorded on my computer and periodically saved on external storage. All devices are solely used by me.
In addition, I comply with my legal obligations in accordance with the relevant legal framework of the National eHealth Infrastructure (EESZT), the details of which are specified in the Privacy Policy.
Links and documentation will be provided to help the patient through the therapy. Furthermore, in the case of cognitive therapy, the patient will receive personalised, written information about their explored thinking system.
Organising
- you can apply for therapy by email
- the appointment, date and time, is always agreed in advance
- the therapy takes place in person at the address provided or online, typically via Zoom meet
Therapy contract
At the beginning of the therapy, during the first interview - which covers up to three sessions - we explore the problems, discuss the essence of the therapy and conclude a typically verbal therapy contract. In this contract, we clarify the content and duration of the therapy, as well as our mutual commitments.
Psychotherapy is not an instant solution, but a shared, often difficult work, of which the lion's share belongs to the patient. But the worthy journey into the depths of our souls is rewarding. As a result, we can see the world - and within it, ourselves and our future - more realistically.
