How do we work in the therapy sessions?
We start by clarifying which problems you want help with, and what reactions you have, that lead to symptoms and problems. The initial interview typically takes 1 – 2 hours. We then decide on goals for the treatment, and how we should proceed, to help you reach your goals. Along the way, we evaluate the process and adjust, so that we are sure that we are working towards the results you want.
Our goal is to help you put old dissatisfying reactions, habits, and symptoms behind you, and instead deal with your challenges by facing them and acting in accordance with what you want and realistically can do, so that you achieve your goals in life.
To achieve these, at times very ambitious, goals, we must identify the reactions that get in your way (also called “defense mechanisms”), and the anxiety it invariably brings, when you face what you have tried to avoid. Then, together, we can face the underlying issues, and work towards more satisfying ways of handling your problems.
What do you get out of going to therapy?
Why should you challenge yourself to face something you have avoided for years?
Since avoidance is not an effective way to deal with your problems, and only provides temporary relief, it can become a problem in itself, locking you into a cycle where the problematic responses and patterns lead to hopelessness, burnout, low self-esteem, social isolation etc.
If you are able to face the issues that makes you anxious, and feel the underlying emotions, often anger, sadness and guilt, while maintaining compassion for yourself and those you care about, but also have conflicted feelings towards, you can let yourself be guided by your emotions, instead of avoiding them, get anxious, or develop symptoms, in situations that activate the conflicted emotions.
How do we secure the quality of the therapeutic work?
Psychotherapy is an intensive and complex process, packed with important information, both verbal and non-verbal. So much is going on at the same time, that it is impossible to pick everything up in the moment.
In order not to overlook important information, we record all consultations on video, which enables us to review the session afterwards, and better understand the process. In this way, we can best ensure an effective course of treatment for you.
Video recordings only take place with your written consent, and if you do not want this, you will of course be offered the same treatment without video recordings.