I was born in Graz, Austria, where I trained as a school teacher at the Pedagogical Academy, Graz-Eggenberg. Before relocating to England, I had several jobs in education as a secondary school teacher, tutor, youth advisor, and teacher of German as a foreign language. In 2003 I moved to Greater London and began working as a German tutor and German language assistant in the borough of Richmond. After my daughter was born in 2005, I worked as an Ofsted registered childminder for several years. At the same time, I started my training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist.
My core therapy training consists of a Foundation Course at LCP (now BPF), a 4-year-long training course in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the Guild of Psychotherapists, and an accreditation process with IPSS. I am registered with UKCP - the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and I undergo regular supervision with experienced colleagues.
My psychotherapeutic practice has been significantly shaped by psychoanalytic literature and relational psychoanalysis. I am also interested in literature on trauma, attachment and psychosexual issues, but also in research in neuroscience. To keep up-to-date with current advances in psychotherapy, I regularly attend courses and workshops.
I completed several online courses in neuropsychoanalysis at the International Psychoanalysis Society. Neuropsychoanalysis explores the neurobiological underpinnings of how we act, think, and feel. It links brain activity with a psychoanalytic model of the mind.
My curiosity about neurodiversity led me to undertake a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Autism and an online event on ADHD and ADD in Adult Psychotherapy by Phil Mollon.
Since studying the Guidance for Psychological Therapists - Enabling Conversations with Clients Taking or Withdrawing from Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs, I am sensitized to issues of prescribed psychiatric drug dependence and withdrawal and am open to working with clients who would like to discuss these issues with me.
A desire to better understand gender, gender identities and sexual expressions, led me to attend several workshops:
- Sexuality beyond Consent - Avgi Saketopoulou and Barnaby Barratt (Discussion)
- The Evolution of Curative Kink by The Center for Positive Sexuality,
- Neurodiversity and BDSM by Lifeworks Psychotherapy,
- Fundamentals of Kink: Understanding and Working with Kink-Identified and Kink-Practicing Individuals and
- The Psychological Impact of Suppressing Kink Identity by The Affirmative Couch,
- Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace by University of Pittsburgh/Coursera and
- Working with Sexuality - Bodies, Desires and Imagination by Confer.
In order to better grasp Jacques Lacan's ideas, I attended two courses organized by IAPS - the Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, namely Lacan-inspired Psychotherapy and Jacques Lacan: An Introductory Overview.
Possible answers to questions of how we work with psychosomatic problems and trauma, I found in these workshops.
- How to Work with the Part of Trauma That Can’t Be Verbalized by NICABM
- Chronic Pain and Disrupted Early Attachments. A Holistic Overview for Psychotherapists by Confer
- Polyvagal Theory Master Class by Psychotherapy Networker
Confer offered this intriguing workshop on trans- and intergenerational trauma:
- Post Slavery Syndrome - Exploring The Clinical Impact Of The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
How do we help clients to become more mindful and live in the moment?
- Mindfulness Training: Introduction, Attention, and the Present Moment by Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies
When working with people with so-called personality disorders, it is helpful to have an insight into the DSM and ICD and possible treatment models:
- Personality Disorder Certification Training. Advanced Diagnosis, Treatment & Management by Gregory Lester and Treating Personality Disorders: Advances from Brain Science and Traumatology by Noel R. Larson, PESI
- An Introduction to Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) Basic Training by Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Everybody talks about CBT. To know more about the way CBT therapists work, I attended this workshop:
- Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) by Centre of Excellence
Other training courses:
- Making Sense of Your Life by R. Cassidy Seminars
- Foundation for Infant Loss Training, Accreditation
- Successful Way to Work with Clients Who Struggle with Deep Feelings Of Shame by NICABM
- Practical Strategies For Working With a Client’s Feelings of Worthlessness by NICABM
- Clinical Implications and Applications of the Adult Attachment Interview with Dan Siegel by PESI
I have 14 years of experience working with people from all walks of life.
