My approach

My approach to psychotherapy is based on existential and humanistic philosophical views. As a therapist, I focus on the here-and-now experiences of my clients, whose needs direct the process of goal-setting in therapy. My aim is to facilitate the necessary and desired changes in a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors, to allow them to live a more fulfilling life in the present and future. Trained in systemic psychotherapy, I am more inclined to explain the issues people face, as resulting from the interactions they have with other people within the systems they belong to (family, educational and work environments). Understanding the specific role we play in sustaining the balance of any system, can help us adopt new behaviors that will eventually change not only ourselves, but other members of the system too.

My Approach to therapy made simple...

Questions and answers

What is therapy? What is therapeutic?

Therapy results from change.Life itself is therapeutic. The passage of time will heal us, even if we do nothing.

Heraclitus from Efesos: “Everything flows and nothing stays”

If life is therapeutic, then why engage in psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy enhances knowledge and self-awareness which are important in the process of change. It determines how smoothly and how quickly we change. It helps us understand who we are at a given moment in time, as well as how and why we suffer.

Abraham Maslow:

“What is necessary to change in a person, is to change his awareness of himself”

When is psychotherapy successful?

There is no easy answer to this question. It is my strong belief that a trusting, empathetic relationship between the therapist and the person who receives therapy, is the key factor.

When you consciously decide to engage in this process of emotional and mental exchange, you have already walked half the pathway to a successful treatment.

Mark Twain: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started”

Who is a good therapist?

One who knows his/her limitations. It is not knowing the techniques that makes a good therapist, but knowing when, how and why to use them. Also, knowing when it is time to let the person go…

Confucius:

"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance"

My Approach