When should I seek psychotherapy?
Crisis, sleeping disorders, anxiety or depression can be difficult to handle because of overwhelming emotions. When you feel stuck even though you tried to handle it by your self it may be advisable to seek psychotherapy. To see a psychotherapist when your are in psychological pain is just as natural as seeing a doctor because of physical pain.
What is CBT?
CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on research and theory in learning psychology, cognitive psychology and social psychology.. The concept of cognitive behavioral therapy indicates that the focus is on the interaction between the individual and the environment, here and now. The therapist is active, and together we formulate goals, treatment plan and an agenda for each meeting. CBT is a structured way of working with psychological problems, but there is also flexibility for your wishes and needs as a client. At the end of each meeting we will try to find some is something you can work with at home and thus make the therapy more efficient. Techniques in CBT includes a wide variety of techniques like exposure, visualization, mindfulness and self compassion (compassion and kindness toward oneself). A common misconception is that the CBT is superficial, or just about the “here and now”. CBT also focuses on how the problem started and what you have done so far to handle it. All this is included in the assessment initiating a therapy, to create an understanding of the problem. Next, look at how the problem manifests itself in everyday life here and now. CBT can often be short-term oriented, 10-20 times, but it will be determined by the therapist and client together based on how extensive and complex your problems are.
How does it work?
At our first meeting we talk about your situation, your symptoms, physical illness, medication, background to understand your problem. As a psychotherapist, I have met many people who think they are the only one in the world having a certain problem, and find great comfort in being told that the problem is not unusual and that there is help. We met a few times and create a comprehensive understanding of the problem and ways to cope. It is important that you feel safe and know what to expect. Therefore, we make a treatment plan, as well as how often and for long we are going to meet. The plan can be changed if necessary.
Examples of problems we can work with:
- Depression
- Anxiety (panic attacks, fear of becoming ill, anxiety in social situations, general anxiety)
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Phobias, e.g. social phobia (now called social anxiety – fear in social situations triggered by perceived or actual scrutiny from others)
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship problems
- Work-place related problems
- Being exposed to undue influence, high demand groups (authoritarian, manipulative environments). That includes many things between a destructive romantic relationship and a high demand group with authoritarian manipulative culture. It can be groups based on personal development, multi level marketing (MLM), Politics, Shame/honor culture or a family dominated by a narcissist.
Is Video Therapy an option?
For people who live outside of Stockholm, travel a lot, have symptoms of an infectious disease, or for other reasons can’t come to the reception, video therapy can be the first choice.
If you have questions or want to make an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact me