What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is the treatment of psychological, emotional and psychosomatic illnesses or behavioural problems using psychological (scientifically based) and not pharmaceutical methods. It is a process which is unique to each person. Psychotherapy is not about receiving advice or being told how to live your life.
In addition to the therapeutic dialogue, additional therapeutic techniques may be used depending on the diagnosis and needs:
- visualisations related to feelings and perceptions
- confrontation exercises in fantasy or reality
- role play
- relaxation techniques
- mindfulness exercises
- parent- baby- psychotherapy; sensitivity training for attachment problems
When is consulting a psychotherapist a good idea?
There are always phases in one’s life which are challenging. Most of the time we are able to cope with these situations on our own or with the support of family and friends. But sometimes this does not help. The difficulties or problems do not diminish but are experienced as an increasing burden. Difficulties can manifest themselves in the work environment or in close family relationships, and additionally a physical illness may develop. In these cases it would be wise to seek psychotherapeutic help.
The following disorders/ problematic issues are most often treated by me:
- anxiety and fears (specific phobias, panic attacks)
- burnout, adjustment disorder
- depression, postpartum depression
- eating disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- post traumatic stress disorder
- personality disorder
- sexual problems
- unfulfilled desire to have a child
One special focus of my work are the difficulties surrounding pregnancy, birth and the parenting role. Some couples have great difficulties getting pregnant at all, others suffer emotional problems or live in challenging social situations which hinder the development of an emotionally stable parent- baby relationship. Different factors such as a difficult pregnancy or traumatic birth experience may also affect the parent-baby relationship. Some parents may have had a traumatic experience in the past, which may be reactivated through parenthood and may lead to difficulties in embracing the parental role (attachment problems). A loving relationship between mothers/ fathers – babies can only develop if parents are open to the needs of their babies, as well as remembering to look after their own needs. Parents must find ways of recharging their batteries for their own as well as their child’s sake. (More about postpartum depression click here).
I also offer couple therapy and parental guidance.
The goal of couple therapy is often an ambitious one. Couples do not only want to end the circle of destructive arguments and and conflict, they often long for harmony and intimacy – feeling at one with each other. Identifying and changing destructive patterns of communication, reducing daily hassles and redefining priorities are the most significant elements in couple therapy.
Bringing up children is often a challenge and parents are unsure of the right way to do things- this is quite normal. If problems persist and you or your child is suffering, it is sensible to get professional advice. The most common concerns in babies and toddlers are difficulty with sleeping, attachment problems, separation anxiety and how to deal with tantrums. In older children, parents often have difficulty in asserting and setting limits in general and when conflicts arise around the use of media (computer games etc.).
With whom do I work?
I work with adults (from young to old), children, teenagers, couples and mothers/fathers- babies
Structure
In psychotherapeutic treatment:
- a session lasts 50 minutes
- sessions takes place in the Schillerpraxis
- confidentiality is assured
- a psychotherapeutic session for an individual costs €110,00 and, depending on which type of health insurance you have, you may have some amount refunded.
- Couple counselling costs €130,00 per session plus 20% Ust. for 50 minutes and is not refunded by the Austrian health insurance.