ETHICS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
My life experience, my comprehensive psychotherapy education and training, and my many years of practical work experience constitute the three cornerstones of my work as a psychotherapist. These are my guiding principles:
ASSURANCE
Opportunities for change exist in every stage of life; a step towards freedom is always possible.
DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Behaviour develops from experiences. Symptoms have an origin story; they do not arise out of nothing. Once we discover (reveal) such a cause and we address and redefine the hidden need or desire within that cause, liberating changes are possible.
HERE AND NOW
All actions and changes are only possibly here and now; neither in the past nor in the future. This means that it is worth taking a courageous look at the reality of things, how a situation truly is, in order to take a first step towards effective action.
LISTENING AND TALKING
Every individual is different. We feel and experience our surroundings differently and we use a language that is personal. In order to really understand someone it is thus required to listen carefully and not to jump to conclusions. Often, this also means making an effort to reveal what one truly thinks.
RELATIONSHIPS
A healthy relationship with oneself as well as with other people, and an active involvement with the world, are crucial for a successful and happy life. People’s individuality is reflected in the personal design of their relationships and their life involvements.
RESPECT
Respect in psychotherapeutic work means mutually appreciative interactions and openness in conversation. Openness implies speaking in concrete terms, whenever possible; however, it does not mean that one has to provide answers to every single question.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE THERAPY
Both therapist and patient share responsibility for the therapy work and its progress. They shape the therapeutic relationship together.
THERAPY SETTING
Psychotherapy is an authentic encounter between two people in a defined setting. The sessions are held in a therapy room and their duration is agreed upon between therapist and patient at an initial meeting. Such a setting ensures a safe space for the patient, in which they can be open to new ideas and experiences. Patients are free to introduce topics which might affect their lives.