Therapeutic Approach
My approach consists of
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness
With elements of
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Schema Therapy
In the following paragraphs you can learn more about my way of working.
The draining hunt for happiness...
Everyone naturally strives to feel good. Certain situations, interpersonal processes or life events, however, may lead to emotional pain showing through difficult thoughts, memories, worries, feelings, urges or unpleasant bodily sensations. We automatically try to protect ourselves from such pain by withdrawing, freezing, ruminating, distracting ourselves, procrastinating, using substances or switching into attack mode and getting into conflicts. In the long term, we may get stuck in these behaviours and have all our energy drained by them. Our life and our relationships become limited and our suffering increases.
Vulnerability is a strength!
As a psychotherapist, I see my task in helping you recognize and open up to the thoughts, feelings and sensations that are difficult for you. This can be a painful and liberating process at the same time. Once there is no need to escape difficult emotional experiences anymore, they lose their power over your life, allowing you to be flexible and free again. You will be able to invest your energy into the things that matter to you and move towards your goals again.
Enhancing mental flexibility
I see the main aim of my work in helping you step out of rigid, harmful patterns and increase your mental flexibility, which means learning to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings in a mindful way while orienting your behaviour towards your personal values and natural needs. We will not start a war against your symptoms (or what is perceived as such) as I understand eliminating symptoms neither as a prerequisite nor as a guarantee for a satisfied and meaningful life- and believe it isn't always even possible. My therapeutic attitude is in agreement with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which I have used for years to accompany my clients. Of course, I also cultivate this attitude in dealing with myself.