We have put together some resources to help you navigate what type of psychological support would be most suitable for your situation. Whether you are an individual in Berlin seeking counselling for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders, trauma therapy or the more existential struggles of life, the different approaches below addresses these matters in their own unique way.
Attachment theory describes the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the moments of separation, loss and threat. Four different attachment classifications/styles have been identified: secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganized. These styles, which have the basis in the child-caregiver dynamics experienced in infancy and childhood, are carried out to adulthood. They manifest themselves in the patterns and behaviors of adult close and romantic relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) rests upon the tenet that most psychological suffering comes from two things: 1) that people are caught up or entangled in their own thoughts, and 2) that people struggle to avoid or get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings.
This is why the ACT counselor will assist the client in dropping the struggle and distancing him or herself from the difficult thoughts and emotions. The goal is for the person to have increased psychological flexibility, by practicing being in the present moment with openness to our experience, and taking action that is guided by his or her values. To reach this goal mindfulnesses exercises are practiced in the ACT process.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) was developed in the 1960s by the American psychologist Aaron T. Beck. This type of therapy focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, behaviors and the social context.
In CBT, the initially focus is on alleviating symptoms and the registration of negative thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms and actions related to these. The next step is evaluating thoughts and deciding on strategies and tools in order to make the desired changes. The therapy can also focus on the life experiences, assumptions, life rules, norms and values that affect the patient’s interpretations, self-image and worldview.
Let’s say an adverse event or the anticipation of a negative experience has triggered negative thoughts about self and others (“it’s all my fault when something goes wrong”, “others will think poorly of me”): This might then be linked to feelings of sadness, anxiety, shame or anger; symptoms like stomach aches, tensions, breathing difficulties or dizziness; and behaviors like withdrawal from social situations, activities and relationships.
The cognitive-behavioural therapist will work with the client to bring about desired changes in these types thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviors. The therapist takes on an active role and shares and discusses ideas and interpretations with the patient. Psychoeducation is an important element of CBT, where the therapist informs the patient of, for instance, relevant research on the client’s condition or methods and techniques to change a pattern.
The Contemplative approach brings to the counselling relationship qualities of mindfulness and compassion to help clients access their fundamental goodness and natural wisdom. In the primacy of the present moment experience, the recognition of sanity emerges and is nurtured.
The Gestalt approach draws on the perception that to maximize awareness of creative potentiality, clients must reflect on the holistic unity of their body, mind, emotional and ecological perspectives. A rich palette of present-centred, experiential, and artistic interventions are utilized. The focus is on interpersonal, intrapersonal and relational growth.
A process of psychological differentiation, having for its goal the development of the individual personality. The aim is not to overcome one's personal psychology, to become perfect, but to become familiar with it. Thus individuation involves an increasing awareness of one's unique psychological reality, including personal strengths and limitations, and at the same time a deeper appreciation of humanity in general. Individuation differs from individualism in that the former deviates from collective norms but retains respect for them, while the latter eschews them entirely.
In Jung's view, no one is ever completely individuated. While the goal is wholeness and a healthy working relationship with the self, the true value of individuation lies in what happens along the way.
The Integrative multi-modal approach combines a variety of person-centred therapies. Uniting the perceptual, cognitive, behavioural, and physiological systems holistically. Matching evidence-based interventions to each client and each need.
Jungian analysis, is an in-depth, analytical form of talk-therapy where emphasis lies on bringing together the conscious and unconsious parts of the mind to help a person feel balanced and whole. A Jungian analysis calls for clients to delve into the deeper and often darker elements of their psycho and look at their deeper self rather than the persona they present to the outside world.
Jungian analysis can help improve the lives of those suffering from depression, anxiety,, phobias, relationship, grief or tramua, low self-esteem, or other emotional problems. It is also appropriate for any individual who wants a deeper understanding of themselves and is willing to make a commitment to the work.
In addition to talking, your therapist may use various techniques, such as dream journaling and interpretation, and creative experiences likes art, movement, or music, to encourage creative and release your imagination. Depending on your situation and the agreement you make with your therapist, you will meet for regularly scheduled sessions, one or more times a week. The success of Jungian analysis depends on the client’s commitment to regularly scheduled sessions and intense work.
Narrative therapy was developed by the therapists Michael White and David Epston and it was created as a non-pathologizing, respectful and collaborative approach to therapy where clients are seen as the experts in their own lives.
It is a type of therapy that separates the person from the problem, and assumes that people have their own skill sets, values, commitments and competencies that can help to reduce the influence of the problems that exist in their everyday lives. This way of working takes into account the broader context and culture of people's lives particularly in the various dimensions of diversity including class, race, gender, sexual orientation and ability.
Narrative therapists work collaboratively with their clients in resisting the influences of problem stories. In therapeutic conversations this involves listening with curiosity and a non-blaming stance, and looking for clues to knowledge and skills that run counter to the problem-saturated story.
Thus within a narrative framework, people's lives and identities are seen as multi-storied versus single-storied, and the focus is never on ‘experts’ solving problems. Rather, it is on people co-discovering through conversations.. To this end, the narrative therapist collaborate with people in ‘re-authoring’ the stories of their lives.
In this approach, the counselor helps the client with their present-day problems by looking at how they may have developed from past events and relationships. Early-life experiences can develop into recurring patterns of thinking, feeling and acting, that continue to repeat in life, unless he or she becomes aware of these unconscious patterns.
Many of these recurring patterns came about when the person needed to cope or survive a situation, and were useful at the time, but as time passes, the patterns start to hold the person back in life. The counselor and client work together to become aware of these patterns, at home, at work and in relationships, and change them to be life-enhancing.
The relationship between client and counselor that develops over time is also examined to see if there are similarities in which the client interacts with others, like friends, loved ones or colleagues. Transference in session -- for example, the transferring of one’s feelings for a parent, onto the counselor — can also help reveal ways that past relationships affect current relationships. The client can then work with the counselor to change that relationship dynamic to a more healthy one.
Transactional Analysis has its roots in psychoanalysis, CBT and Gestalt therapy. It offers an accessible theory of human development, personality and social interactions. This therapy approach aims to understand why we may be stuck in unfulfilling behaviour and repetitive patterns.
This therapy is based on the belief that our past has a profound influence on how we are in the present. It focuses on the relationships individuals experience in their formative years and which are influencing their life in the here and now. Transactional Analysis aims to understand and improve how people relate to others and to themselves.
Transactional Analysis centres around the concepts of Ego States (Parent-Adult-Child) and life scripts and the analysis of verbal and non-verbal interactions. It is based on the thought that people decide their own story and destiny (script) and believes that these decisions can be changed.
In therapy client and therapist will explore and deal with the negative consequences of past experiences in order to create the conditions needed for growth and fulfilment.