This article helps clients better understand what they can expect from their chosen therapist. The scores take into account the therapeutic direction, personality, and preferences of the therapist. Based on six opposing preferences, clients can better envision their approach.

This document serves to better understand what a client can expect from a particular therapist. The scores that therapists set themselves when filling out their profiles should result from the therapeutic direction in which they practice therapy, taking into account their personality and preferences in their way of working.

Based on six opposing preferences, clients can envision the therapist’s approach and more easily choose the one that best suits their needs. The numbers in the text (from 1 to 6) represent points, with only the extreme categories being described.

The document focuses on the following categories:

holistic or specifically focused approach,

1 point – Therapists who tend to focus on the present and future believe that even though we cannot change the past, we can change our approach to it and how we perceive it. The goal is to help clients define their goals, what they would like to achieve, and what is important to them. These therapists support clients in focusing on current experiences and steer their attention away from being overly focused on the past. They often use techniques such as constructive questions, gratitude training, and mindfulness to help clients better concentrate on the present and future planning.

6 points – Therapists consider past experiences an integral and essential part of current experiencing. They tend to use techniques such as early memories which help clients to reframe their past narrative and find greater meaning and peace in it. This approach often involves detailed exploration and analysis of past events and their impact on current problems. It is typical for analytical or dynamic therapists who put great emphasis on childhood and adolescence, focusing on deep understanding of past experiences and their influence on the client’s current experience.

1 point – Therapists who approach this part of the scale use techniques focused on quickly and effectively solving specific problems. Their approach is short-term and intense, allowing clients to quickly improve their condition and achieve specific results. These therapists often propose short-term interventions that focus on quickly identifying and resolving issues, which can be very motivating and refreshing for clients. Of course, even these therapists can offer long-term cooperation, but the most urgent topics are dealt with as a priority and within a set time frame.

6 points – Therapists who approach this part of the scale believe in the value of long-term sessions that allow for deeper work and lasting changes in the client's life. They use deep therapy techniques that address complex emotional and psychological layers. Their approach includes thorough analysis and gradual work on long-term changes, which can provide clients with a sense of understanding and lasting progress.

1 point – Therapists who focus on a holistic approach take into account all aspects of clients' lives, including physical, emotional, and social health. Their sessions often discuss broader contexts and relationships between different areas of a client's existence. This approach promotes an overall improvement in the client's quality of life and helps them find balance and harmony. Therapy focuses on the overall personal growth and development of the client, while striving to understand and work with their individual needs and values.

6 points – Therapists who focus on solving specific problems specialize in identifying and solving specific symptoms that the client is experiencing. Their sessions are structured and focused on specific issues, such as specific types of phobias or psychological disorders diagnosed by another specialist. This approach is suitable for clients who are clear that other areas of their lives are satisfactory, but they are troubled by one specific problem that they need to solve. Psychologists focus on alleviating or eliminating specific symptoms, which brings clients relief and a clear way forward.

1 point – An approach that focuses on verbal methods uses conversation as the main tool of therapeutic sessions. This approach helps clients identify problems and find solutions through verbal expression through dialogue. Open communication and verbal interaction are key to the therapeutic process, which can bring the client a sense of understanding and closeness. Psychologists with this approach believe that verbal exchange of opinions and thoughts is the basis of effective therapy.

6 points – An approach that integrates non-verbal methods and techniques includes art therapy, music therapy, or body therapy. These techniques help clients express feelings and thoughts that may be difficult to verbalize. This approach focuses on using various forms of self-expression and body work to achieve therapeutic goals, which can be very liberating and healing for the client. Psychologists using this approach create an environment where the client is allowed to work with emotions and experiences through non-verbal means.

1 point – These psychologists accept the spiritual level of a person but tend to focus more on directly describable and tangible topics, prefer to rely on scientific knowledge and exclusively use evidence-based methods. This type of psychologist focuses on solving specific psychological problems without incorporating spiritual or religious aspects. For clients who prefer a secular approach, this style of therapy is clear and understandable, allowing a focus on problem-solving through scientifically backed methods.

6 points – Psychologists who integrate spirituality into their practice consider spiritual beliefs and values to be an important part of the therapeutic process. Such psychologists also take into account the client's spiritual and religious side, which may include techniques such as meditation, spiritual exercises, or mindfulness. This approach is suitable for clients who are spiritually oriented and expect the psychologist to respect and consider this dimension of their personality, creating an environment where these aspects are integrated into therapy.

The Role of the Psychologist – Directiveness

1 point – Psychologists with a directive approach actively guide the client during sessions. They ensure that clients have a clear plan and specific steps to help them tackle their issues. This style of therapy is suitable for clients who need clear guidance and specific strategies to solve their problems. Psychologists with a directive approach provide structure and clarity, which can be very helpful in quickly achieving goals.

6 points – Psychologists with a non-directive approach give clients maximum space for self-expression and reflection. Sessions are focused on creating a safe and supportive environment where the client can freely share their thoughts and feelings without pressure for immediate answers or solutions. This approach is suitable for clients who need to be heard and who need to formulate their thoughts before expressing them aloud. Psychologists with this approach often allow silence and reflection, helping clients delve deeper into themselves and better understand their internal processes.

Notice:
In the article, we use the terms "psychologist" and "psychologists" for easier flow of the text, including specialists of all genders. We value the work of all male and female psychologists and likewise appreciate their contribution to mental health.

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived danger. Find out how to recognize it, manage it, and when it might be an anxiety disorder. Information on causes, symptoms, and treatment options for anxiety.

What are the symptoms of anxiety, how to manage it, and when does it become an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a natural part of human life, but for many people, it can mean more than just a temporary feeling of unease or worry. Anxiety can persist and significantly affect daily functioning, leading to questions about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. In this article, we will look at what anxiety is, its common symptoms, why it arises, and when it might be an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is a complex psychological phenomenon that manifests as an emotional response to various stressful situations or perceived danger. Basically, it is a feeling of inner unrest, fear, or uncertainty that can be mild or intense. It is a common human reaction that can occur in anyone in different life situations.

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including:

Physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, tremors, muscle tension, stomach pain, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness.

Psychological symptoms: nervousness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, sleeping problems, catastrophic thoughts, fear of dying.

The exact cause of anxiety is not completely clear. It is believed to be a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors for anxiety include:

Stress: Common life stressors such as work, school, family problems, or financial difficulties can trigger anxiety.

Trauma: Past trauma such as physical or emotional abuse, accident, or disaster can lead to the development of anxiety disorders.

Genetics: : Anxiety disorders are more commonly manifested in people from families where similar disorders already occur. This suggests that they may also be partially caused by genetic predisposition.

Personality factors: People with perfectionist tendencies, low self-esteem or a tendency towards negative thinking are more prone to anxiety.

Who is most commonly affected by anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders in the world. It is estimated that 4% of the world's population is currently suffering from some form of anxiety disorder. In addition to the factors we've described above, their occurrence can be influenced by:

Life factors: Stressful life events, such as trauma, difficult childhood, financial problems, relationship problems or chronic illnesses, can trigger or worsen anxiety.

Health factors: Some health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, depression, panic disorders or substance abuse, increase the risk of anxiety.

Demographic factors: Women are more frequently affected by anxiety than men. Anxiety disorders occur in all age groups, but most often manifest in young adults aged 18 to 29 years.

The impact of traumatic experiences: People who have experienced abuse, the loss of a loved one, a serious accident, a natural disaster or another traumatic event are more susceptible to anxiety disorders. These experiences can lead to the development of negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, and increased sensitivity to stress.

Anxiety and physical health: Anxiety disorders are closely related to physical health and influence each other. Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling and muscle tension, can worsen existing health problems and vice versa. Chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and painful conditions, can increase the risk of anxiety and complicate its treatment.

It is important to emphasize that not everyone who has any of these risk factors will suffer from an anxiety disorder. Also, even if you do not have any of these risk factors, you may encounter anxiety.

How to distinguish anxiety from an anxiety disorder?

Ordinary anxiety is short-term and usually related to a specific stressor. Once the stressor is removed, the anxiety subsides. An anxiety disorder, however, is persistent and can worsen without an apparent cause.

What are the typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

Typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:

Persistent feelings of anxiety and worry.

Difficulty concentrating and remembering information.

Physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and muscle tension.

Avoidance of activities and places that trigger anxiety.

What types of anxiety disorders can we identify?

Among the most common types of anxiety are for instance:

Social anxiety: fear of social interactions, worry about judgment and criticism by others.

Panic anxiety: sudden attacks of intense anxiety, accompanied by strong physical and psychological symptoms.

Anxiety disorder: persistent anxiety and worry without an apparent cause.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a type of anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. Obsessions are constant and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses that cause significant distress and anxiety.

What are the treatment options for anxiety disorders?

Recommended treatment for anxiety disorders usually includes a combination of sessions with a psychologist and/or medication therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of therapy for anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation help reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety.

Antidepressants are the most commonly used medications for treating anxiety disorders. They work by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Anxiolytics are medications used for the short-term treatment of severe symptoms of anxiety. They are taken only as needed and are not suitable for long-term use.

If you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek professional help. A doctor or psychologist can help diagnose the disorder and propose an appropriate treatment plan.

Symptoms of anxiety are disrupting your everyday life.

You have difficulty working, studying, or maintaining relationships.

You have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.

Anxiety is a natural part of human life, but when it becomes persistent and excessive, it can significantly impact the quality of our lives. Seeking professional help early, whether through sessions with a psychologist or medication treatment, can significantly alleviate symptoms and aid in returning to normal functioning. If you feel that anxiety is disrupting your everyday life, do not hesitate to seek help – the path to improvement can start today.

This text does not replace professional literature or the advice of a doctor or therapist. The information contained within is generalized and may not apply to everyone. If you have any questions regarding your health, please contact one of our psychologists.

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