FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL ABOUT THERAPY
Q: What is psychotherapy and how does it work? A: Psychotherapy is a professional treatment that helps people resolve emotional, psychological, and behavioral problems through conversation and specific therapeutic techniques. It works by creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with the goal of positive change.
Q: How do I know if I need therapy? A: Consider therapy if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, stress, loss, or feel that your daily life, work, or relationships are being negatively affected by your mental health. Therapy can also help during times of major life transitions.
Q: How long does therapy last? A: The length of therapy depends on your goals and needs. Some people feel improvement after just a few sessions, while others benefit from long-term work.
GESTALT THERAPY
Q: What is Gestalt therapy? A: Gestalt therapy is a humanistic therapeutic approach that focuses on the present moment, awareness, and the whole experience of a person. It emphasizes the integration of different aspects of personality into a whole (“gestalt” means whole in German).
Q: What does a Gestalt session look like? A: Gestalt sessions are interactive and experimental. We use techniques such as the empty chair technique, body awareness, experiments with speech and movement, and dream exploration. The focus is on what’s happening “here and now” in the therapy room.
Q: What is Gestalt therapy most useful for? A: Gestalt therapy is particularly effective for identity issues, difficulties expressing emotions, relationship problems, creative blocks, anxiety, depression, and working with unfinished life situations.
Q: What does “unfinished business” mean in Gestalt therapy? A: Unfinished business refers to unresolved emotions, conflicts, or situations from the past that still affect your present life. Through Gestalt work, we explore and integrate these fragmented parts of experience.
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING
Q: What is Somatic Experiencing (SE)? A: Somatic Experiencing is an approach to trauma work developed by Dr. Peter Levine that focuses on the natural healing mechanisms of the nervous system. The work is based on how the body naturally processes and releases traumatic energy.
Q: How does SE help with trauma? A: SE helps regulate the autonomic nervous system through gradual release of “frozen” traumatic energy in the body. We use techniques such as tracking bodily sensations, slow movement, and breathing to restore natural balance.
Q: Do I need to talk about trauma details? A: No. SE doesn’t require retelling the traumatic event. We focus on bodily sensations and natural responses of the body to stress, which is often a safer and less retraumatizing approach.
Q: What are “discharge” and “titration” in SE? A: Discharge is the natural release of traumatic energy through trembling, deeper breathing, or spontaneous movements. Titration means working with small doses of traumatic activation so we don’t overwhelm the system.
Q: Is SE a safe approach? A: Yes, SE is designed to be a safe and gentle approach. We work slowly, within your “window of tolerance,” and respect the natural pace of your healing system.
TRAUMA
Q: What is trauma? A: Trauma is the result of an experience that exceeds our ability to cope and integrate. It can result from one shocking event (acute trauma) or prolonged stressful experiences (chronic/developmental trauma).
Q: What are the symptoms of trauma? A: Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, dissociation, problems with sleep, concentration, emotion regulation, and physical symptoms such as tension and chronic pain.
Q: Is there a difference between “big” and “small” trauma? A: All trauma is valid regardless of how it occurred. “Small” trauma (developmental stress, emotional neglect) can have equally profound effects as “big” trauma (accidents, violence). Your experience is valid.
Q: Can I recover from trauma? A: Absolutely. People have an incredible capacity for healing. With the right support and approach, it’s possible to integrate traumatic experience and establish a sense of safety and vitality.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Q: Do you offer online therapy? A: Yes, I offer secure online therapy through HIPAA-compatible platforms for clients throughout Croatia and the EU.
Q: How do I book an appointment? A: You can contact me by phone, email, or through the contact form on the website. I usually respond within 24 hours and we’ll arrange an appointment that works for you.
Q: What does the first session look like? A: The first session is an introduction where we’ll discuss what brings you to therapy, your history, goals, and expectations. I’ll explain my approach and together we’ll create a work plan.
Q: Is therapy confidential? A: Yes, everything you share in therapy is strictly confidential. There are very limited exceptions prescribed by law (danger to self or others, abuse of children/elderly), which I will inform you about.
Q: Do you work with couples or families? A: I currently specialize in individual therapy with adults. I can recommend colleagues who work with couples and families if that’s what you’re looking for.
Q: Do you speak English? A: Yes, I offer therapy in both Croatian and English. Many expats and international clients use my services.
Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with you as a therapist? A: The therapeutic relationship is crucial for success. If after several sessions you don’t feel our work is beneficial, we’ll discuss this openly and I can recommend another therapist who might be a better fit for you.
Q: What’s the recommended number of visits per month for the highest quality progress? A: Once a week or twice a month.
Q: Do you have experience with…? A: I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, adjustment problems, grief and bereavement, identity and self-esteem issues. Contact me for specific questions about your situation.