The path towards my work as a psychotherapist is a very personal one, and my own life experiences and therapy journeys are part and parcel of my work.
I grew up and have lived in several countries, mostly in the United States, Austria and more recently in the UK. My experience of living in such a variety of cultures has contributed to my interest in working with clients who are struggling with cultural adjustment.
I have been working in private practice since 2014.
My approach to therapy
Within psychoanalysis, I prefer what is called the “relational” or “intersubjective” approach. Moving away from Freud's drive theory, this approach focuses more on the relationship between therapist and client.
Within the context of our relationship, we can safely explore the issues you are struggling with. Meaning is created through both our contributions. This means that I don’t pretend to complete neutrality, nor do I believe that my beliefs are in any way truer than yours.
In our work, I can help you to uncover and reflect on how your past and present are in dialog, and how early experiences may be impacting your present life. This can help you develop a new and better sense of why you became the person you are, to deal with struggles both originating in childhood or earlier life phases and those more firmly anchored in your present life. Ultimately, our work can help you create the kind of future you wish for yourself.
I tend to be creative and try to incorporate humour and some playfulness into my more reflective and serious therapeutic work with clients. I believe that psychotherapy should not be an arduous ordeal, but rather a safe and gratifying journey towards a better life.
Qualifications
Psychotherapy
- Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Group Psychoanalysis (ÖAGG in Vienna, Austria)
- Foundation Course in Psychotherapy (ÖAGG in Vienna, Austria)
EMDR
- Certificate “EMDR in Therapy and Coaching” (EMDR Centre, London)
- Unleash your EMDR Part 1. The Basics of Advanced, Attachment-Informed Integrative EMDR
- Unleash your EMDR Part 2. Attachment-Informed EMDR with Intergenerational Trauma, Parts, Ego-States and Dreams.
Selection of Continuing Professional Development
Essentials of Trauma Treatment: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Training (CCTP) Course
Certified Clinical Trauma Course Professional Training Level 2 (CCTP-2): Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
Trauma & Addiction Dual Certification Course: Strategies from CBT, CPT, EMDR, PE, Somatic and Psychodynamic Therapy
Narcissistic Relationships, Emotional Abuse & Gaslighting: Treating and Empowering Survivors of Relational Trauma
Certificate “Learn to Love Online Therapy” for Psychotherapists with Tamara Howell
University Studies
I hold an BA and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Vienna.
Book Publication
My interest in historic trauma, the history of psychoanalysis and the Holocaust led in 2018 to the publication of letters exchanged between Paul Federn and his son Ernst. Paul was one of Freud’s early collaborators, and although he was able to emigrate to the US in 1938, his son Ernst remained in Austria only to be deported to Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps. The letters, exchanged after Ernst’s liberation during the years 1945 to 1947, give insight into the traumatic experiences of a Jewish family torn apart by the Holocaust. I was privileged to know Ernst personally, and it was his wish that the letters be published.
