I AM AN INDEPENDENT PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND COACH
Clarity, courage and fulfillment represent my attitude and vision that are guiding me both in my private and in my professional life.
#Clarity
Clarity is for me synonymous with the awareness of who I am. It conveys my capacity for introspection, to look inside myself, to explore what I feel and think. It extends to having the mindset of seeking to understand those around me, from family and friends to people I work with.
#Courage
Courage means for me to intentionally put myself in situations outside my comfort zone, both mentally and physically. It is to set goals to achieve, recognizing, and overcoming the limitations I encounter, and going on, not giving up. It stands for taking uncomfortable decisions when I need to and sticking with them by trusting my intuition and relying on it to take me forward in life. Courage is a good friend with the hope of creating something better in my life.
#Fulfillment
Fulfillment is the feeling I experience thanks to living my life in clarity and with courage. It is something that I experience when I close the gap between what I am and what I want to be while dealing with the frustrations that come along the way. Fulfillment is knowing to readapt on the way when there is no meaning anymore in pursuing my goal. It is sharing and celebrating my accomplishments with those close to me and if possible inspiring others to do so, too.
Closing the gap from who I was to who I am
Born in 1977, in a small city close to Bucharest, I spent my childhood mostly outside, with friends and neighbors, playing football with my brother’s friends, and climbing on unattended building sites. Being often in the countryside helped me establish a connection with nature from an early age. Thanks to that, today I highly value a healthy lifestyle and the freedom of movement.
In 2001 I graduated from Management, at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. It counts as one of my biggest successes since I have no talent for numbers. It was a study that increased my discipline and perseverance more than my knowledge about industrial management.
Starting from this point along with the experience I gained from working in corporations and smaller companies, I began to devote a lot of my time to understanding how we can have a balanced and healthy life. As result of my interest, I have studied a lot of productivity, time, and energy management programs. This information is very useful now for me and for the people I support in managing their stresses.
2001 was also the year I started my family. My personal experiences taught me a lot about the importance of love in a healthy relationship, about being a parent, about how to go through the ups and downs of a relationship, and how to make sense of such experiences. The last few years have been marked intensely by my desire to understand how relationships work, how to improve them, and how to make conscious decisions for both ourselves and those close to us.
In 2006 and 2008 my sons were born. Even before they were born, I started reading about children and human development. Preparation and knowledge are something that I value greatly. It is because of them that I am a psychotherapist today. My curiosity and determination to discover what is going on inside of their mind and how to support them and also me during those challenging times, led me to Sigmund Freud University where I studied psychotherapy science.
During 2010 – 2016, the years of studying psychotherapy science and family systemic therapy, I had some of my most exciting experiences, challenges, and successes. Ever since I have been in a continuous process of learning not only about myself but also about the human psyche and the dynamics of relationships. It has been of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of my life. One says that a psychotherapist can guide you as much as he or she knows himself. That is why I value a lot my work to know and understand myself, discover who I am in unknown situations.
Since 2014 I have been working in my private praxis in the first district of Vienna, first as a systemic psychotherapist under supervision, later as a licensed psychotherapist.
What I love most about my work is the diversity of the people I encounter in my office. Different social backgrounds and cultures, unique life experiences, distinct value systems, and personalities, all make my experience in working with people very exciting. I enjoy sharing my knowledge as much as I enjoy learning from my clients.
When I work with individuals I strive to always look beyond a diagnosis and instead to see the person with his/her unique narrative, how they reached that point and where they want to be.
With couples, my intention is to support partners in their process of improving their relationship by working on problems such as communication, sex, intimacy, decision making, parenting.
In all situations I strive to always be in a neutral position, to have a supportive role for both parts, to find the most collaborative approach that will work for them.
Finally, my goal as a psychotherapist is to bring professionalism, value, and knowledge to those who are seeking support, to offer new perspectives on life, and to help people on their way to being who they want to be.
Here are my studies:
- Master Degree in Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna 2016
- Master Thesis Theme: "Women in Leadership Positions and their Influence on the Organizational Health"
- Bachelor Degree in Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna 2013
- Bachelor Thesis at SFU Private University, Theme: „Working group in organisational field“ (2013)
- Bachelor degree of the Academy of Economic Studies (Industrial Management), Bucharest, Romania (1997-2001)
And my further trainings: - "Psyche&Brain: Neuroscience for Coaching and Psychotherapy", Prof. Dr. Dr. Gerhard Roth, online, 2023
- "Use of trans phenomena in hypnotherapy" (B4), Dipl.-Psych. Ghita Benaguid, Hypno-Synstitut, Wien 2023
- "Indirect communication and induction" (B3), Mag. Martina Gross, Hypno-Synstitut, Wien 2023
- "Verbal and nonverbal communication" (B2), Charlotte Wirl, Hypno-Synstitut, Wien 2023
- "Introduction to the principles of Ericksonian hypnosis and therapy" (B1) Mag. Martina Gross, Hypno-Synstitut, Wien 2023
- "Analog systemic couple therapy- The Ask!Modell for Couples", Dr. Ilka Hoffmann-Bisinger, Systemische Praxis Institut, Innsbruck 2023
- "Kick-off" Language- Interventions in couple and sex therapy, Dipl.-Psych. Karina Kehlet Lins, Systemische Praxis Institut, Innsbruck 2023
- "From problem to solution", Prof. Dr. Ulrich Clemens online, 2023
- "Systemic psychotherapy and counselling", Dr. Stefan Junker online, 2023
- Gottman Connect "Dealing with conflict" online course, 2022
- Systemic parenting coaching, OAS, 2021
- John and Julie Gottman "Parents coaching", online course, 2021
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)- Practitioner Certificate Udemy, 2021
- "Systemic therapy with teens and their families", Mag. Stefan Geyerhofer, OAS, 2020
- "Love affairs and external relationships", Dipl.-Psych. Berit Brockhausen, VPA 2019
- Paare in Bewegung conference I, II, VPA, 2018, 2019
- "Sexual issues in individual and couple therapy", MAg. Katharina Hinsch, OAS 2018
- Positive Psychology: Aplications and Interventions, 2017
- Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman's Visonary Science, 2017
- Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance, 2015
- Emotion Focus Therapy Level 1, SFU Vienna 2013
- Practical training for children and adolescent psychotherapy, SFU Vienna 2012
Voluntary work:
Mentor "Work Life Balance" for Professional Women in Vienna, 2017, 2018
MentorIn für MigrantInnen, WKO, 2017
Recent posts
The connection between stress, self-worth, and self-appreciation.
09.10.2023
From my work experience in treating people suffering from stress, I have understood how closely interconnected stress and self-worth are. The value that each of us attributes to ourselves, plays an important role in our mental and emotional well-being.
Improve your relationship with feedback
12.07.2023
#Change, #Communication, #Selfesteem
Recently I’ve got my hands on one of the best books about giving and receiving feedback. The moment I understood how helpful the subject is for couple therapy, I told myself: it’s a must read.
What makes a good decision?
19.06.2023
#Change, #Motivation, #Success
Often people visit my office with the goal of helping them in making a decision. Not an easy task when it’s about life changing decisions, like: should I divorce or should I stay in this relationship, should I accept this new job/position, should I move to another country, which partner is the best for me?
Assess your life on a regular basis to become more focused
15.05.2023
#Motivation, #Change, #Wellbeing
Most of you are familiar with periodic performance assessments at work or at school, right? But I wonder, how many are performing such evaluations for your private life?
Infidelity and couple therapy
19.04.2023
#Resilience, #Change, #Relationship
When I started school, I learned that couple therapy is when two people who want to work on their relationship come to therapy and work things through.
If you can manage your anger, you can manage your relationships
17.03.2023
#Communication, #Relationship, #Emotions
We all experience times of heated discussions when we are angry, irritated, or annoyed by our partners, co-workers, or friends. It is how we behave as response to these feelings that makes the difference on the course of our relationships: it can make it better or worse.
How to avoid negative escalation when we fight?
22.02.2023
#Change, #Communication, #Love, #Relationship
Conflict is part of any couple. As Esther Perel said, couples go through a cycle of harmony, disharmony, and repair.
At some point, everything has to be told
13.02.2023
#Resilience, #Communication, #Wellbeing
Today I rediscovered by mistake in my notes a line that belongs to Haruki Murakami, my favorite author. He said: „At some point, everything has to be told. If you don't, you remain forever a prisoner of the secret you carry in your soul.”
Small positive moments
16.01.2023
#Love, #Connection, #Wellbeing
Even a small moment like sharing a coffee in bed with the loved one can increase the well-being of a couple.
Self-doubt, what is it?
15.08.2022
#Change, #Resilience, #Selfesteem
I have identified this voice as my self-doubt. And I have also noticed that from time to time it is present in other parts of my life: in my relationships, in practising sports, in my work.
Creating healthy boundaries in your life
28.02.2022
#Motivation, #Selfesteem, #Wellbeing
To be able to develop authentic relationships with ourselves, with our family and friends, we need to set clear boundaries and limits that separate our physical and emotional world from others. This process first implies having a clear idea about who we are.
Love as an antidote to depression
27.12.2021
#Love, #Selfesteem, #Happiness
I was walking my dog the other day while listening to music when my attention got caught by the lyrics of a song: “… I’m a happy dreamer, I believe in love …”. At that moment I realized that I’ve always been the kind of person who believes in love, who looks for it in many things, who strives for self-love. My wish is to share this view with you because I feel and have experienced that love and the connection that comes with it are the antidotes to depression, unhappiness, and loneliness.
Contemplating the relationship you are in
20.09.2021
Do you know that moment when you realize that for some time you are no longer happy in the relationship you are in, and yet you do not know what to do next? The moment you figure out what works and what doesn't, when you ask your heart how it feels and it answers “I don’t know!”?
5 strategies that will make you more resilient
02.09.2021
#Resilience, #Change, #Wellbeing
My experience showed me that although people arrive at adulthood with different levels of emotional hardiness or resilience, almost anyone can become better at it, by working to take a more active and committed approach to their life.
Clarity. Courage. Fulfillment.
17.05.2021
#Motivation, #Selfesteem, #Happiness
After graduating from two universities, raising two children, the experience of moving to a new country, a long-lasting marriage, and 7 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I feel the need for a change in the way I approach life.
Learn about stress, vulnerability and resilience
24.04.2021
In the current context, it is increasingly important to learn how to manage stress as best we can. The advantages are many: from making our daily hassles easier, to even daring to enjoy days with energy and positive emotions.
Why psychotherapy?
30.03.2021
#Motivation, #Change, #Psychotherapy
Even though psychotherapy is widely recognized as an effective method with significant contributions to mental well-being, there are still some common myths about it.
Should I stay or should I go?
29.09.2020
One of the most difficult questions people are confronted with. The higher the stake, the more difficult the answer
How to help teens regulate their strong emotions
26.06.2020
As teen bodies and brains change sometimes in dramatic ways, they'll experience a new intensity of emotions
How to get rid of catastrophizing thinking
15.05.2020
If you are a more anxious person, you probably know what I'm talking about and have already experienced the effects of catastrophic thinking
A short guide to breathing and relaxation exercises
17.04.2020
When I treat people for anxiety and depression, I use a holistic approach, meaning that besides my psychotherapeutic work, I take a look at the client’s lifestyle: exercising, relaxation, nutrition and sleep
How to manage your worrying thoughts
07.04.2020
People experience differently the uncertainties of the current complex crisis. Some, who are chronically worrying can observe a heightened state of anxiety or even experience moments of panic
How to live a good life
11.05.2019
If living a good life is like learning to play an instrument, I guess we should practice every day, but what exactly?
The essentials of being a good parent
25.03.2019
#Parenting, #Creativity, #Motivation
When I started my study as psychotherapist, I was a young mother of two boys, reading assiduously to understand how things goes with babies, later with toddlers and now with teens
New year, New resolution: Being my own hero
10.01.2019
#Change, #Creativity, #Motivation
Remember Dorothy and her trip on the yellow brick road towards the Wizard of Oz? Well, something like that is our story, too
How to stay connected in your relationship?
17.11.2018
#Relationship, #Connection, #Communication, #Love
There is a point in a relationship when people feel they have lost connection with their partner. What used to be a magical love in the beginning, now it barely feels like a functioning relationship
The way you communicate is related to how good you know yourself
20.10.2018
#Communication, #Selfesteem, #Motivation
We all have different roles in life, right? We are parents, spouses, leaders, employees, sons and daughters, we are also strangers to others. How do we present ourselves in these roles?
How to manage your anxiety?
22.09.2018
Anxiety is one of the most frequent emotion that we experience in our lives. In my work I encounter much too often people who experience it in excessive levels
Escape feeling stuck and make meaningful decisions
20.08.2018
#Change, #Creativity, #Motivation
In this blog post I want to share some key insights that will bring you awareness about the importance of finding the right motivation to start mastering your work-life balance
Why is self-esteem important for our work-life balance?
20.06.2018
#Selfesteem, #Success, #Motivation
In this blog post I want to share some key insights that will bring you awareness about the importance of finding the right motivation to start mastering your work-life balance
I challenge you to write your successes!
31.12.2017
#Wellbeing, #Success, #Communication
Most of us start a new year setting our resolutions for the year to come. New days, new hopes, new opportunities are rising
The story of my truth
30.10.2017
#Anxiety, #Motivation, #Gratitude
My journey of becoming a psychotherapist started almost 10 years ago. After joining the information evening at the university, I felt this strong urge to begin the study, I said to myself: I must do this or else I might regret it
Rethink wellbeing as positive energy
24.03.2017
#Anxiety, #Motivation, #Gratitude
We all know how important food and exercise are for a healthy mind, right? Most of us are also familiar with what stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue are and how their effects sneak up on our lives
How to raise optimistic children?
28.01.2017
#Parenting, #Positive, #Gratitude
Being the mother of two children, I often ask myself what kind of education I can offer them so that they become healthy and happy adults?
How to feed the positive wolf within yourself?
30.11.2016
Have you ever felt that you are engaged in self-sabotaging activities that hold you back from achieving your goals and dreams? You often think you are not good enough, that you don’t deserve it or you are not smart enough?
About gratitude and kindness
30.11.2016
#Wellbeing, #Happiness, #Gratitude
I wanted to write about anger management, but I’ve changed my mind. It is winter holydays time, a time for celebration and for being grateful for what we have, it is time to bring kindness to others and to be generous
What are the keys to building a more positive relationship?
09.06.2016
#Relationship, #Positive, #Happiness
Recently I attended a conference on the subject of Couple Therapy here, in Vienna. I have to say, I really enjoyed the conference and most of all it has inspired me in writing this post