Today, when many of us face difficulties related to emotional and psychological health, it is important to be able to turn to a qualified professional. We are talking to Iryna Hryhorashchenko (her Instagram), a Gestalt therapist, who shares her experience and recommendations on how to cope with life's challenges, find inner balance and choose the right psychologist.
ElitExpert learned how Gestalt therapy can help during a crisis, what steps you can take to improve your mental health, and why it's important not to be afraid to ask for help.
— Irina, please tell me how you came to psychology and Gestalt therapy?
Now I am getting my third higher education — a master's degree in psychology. In addition to academic education, I am studying for the second degree of the National Association of Gestalt Therapists of Ukraine, and also in the process of studying for the specialization "Systemic approach in working with the family". I am in personal therapy and work under supervision. I regularly attend conferences, intensives, special courses, therapeutic and supervisory groups, and study other areas of psychology.
— What motivated you to switch from ecology and jurisprudence to psychology and Gestalt therapy?
At some point, I became interested in understanding people and better understanding myself. Ecology, jurisprudence and other fields of activity have given me important experience and knowledge, but it is psychology for me where I am interested in improving my qualifications, while applying knowledge and skills in my work as a Gestalt therapist.
— What else is gestalt therapy needed for and who can it help?
Gestalt therapy is an approach in psychology that helps in identifying and strengthening a holistic image of a person's personality. Working on himself within the framework of Gestalt therapy, a person learns to understand what emotions he feels, what he feels, and what he suppresses for various reasons, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of life.
— How does a Gestalt psychologist differ from an ordinary psychologist?
A Gestalt psychologist differs in his approach to work. Psychology, like other types of psychological practice, such as NLP and other methods, intersect with each other and are not strictly categorical. The more approaches to psychology a specialist knows, the better. This allows him to maneuver in working with the client, choosing the most effective methods depending on the situation.
— How long can you live without a psychologist today or is it worth consulting in any situation? What is your point of view on this issue and what does it bring in life?
If a person himself came to the need to consult a psychologist, this is already part of success. Forcing someone to go to therapy is not effective, because without an inner desire, change is impossible. A psychologist helps a person to choose himself, his feelings and emotions, without serving the trauma of other people. This is similar to the situation in an airplane, when in an emergency situation you first need to put on an oxygen mask on yourself, and then on the child. If you do not help yourself, you will not be effective for others.
— How to choose a psychologist correctly?
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the specialist's education and qualifications. It is also important to listen to your feelings during the first meeting with a psychologist. A psychotherapist helps you find answers to your questions. After all, sometimes it is enough for a person to independently critically assess his situation and turn on thinking at full capacity.
But in more difficult cases, when you cannot handle it yourself, you should contact a specialist. Don't hesitate to ask questions about his education and working methods at the first meeting. If you are interested, you can read about different areas of psychology. This will allow you to better understand what is more suitable for your request. Each of them has its own characteristics and may be more or less suitable depending on the specific situation. And if there is no desire to delve deeply into different directions, you can use recommendations from your environment. Sometimes reviews and experiences of friends can help make the right choice.
If there are no recommendations in the environment and no one has turned to a psychologist, you can start studying specialists through social networks. For example, there are groups on Facebook where you can post your need, indicating any criteria, to which psychotherapists will respond with comments. There is also a function of placing an ad anonymously. In addition, psychotherapists also post announcements about themselves and their activities in such groups.
— Who are they, modern Gestalt therapists, are they men, women, young people, or people wised up by experience?
In general, among psychologists-Gestalt therapists there are different people: they are both men and women, specialists of different ages. For example, a psychologist can be young and have therapy skills, or he can be older with a lot of life experience. However, age is not always an indicator of experience in psychology. A 55-year-old specialist can have the same knowledge as a 25-year-old.
The choice of a psychologist largely depends on a person's request, everything is very individual. It would be good to decide on your request (or requests) and imagine who would feel comfortable telling it. Some prefer a female psychologist because it resembles a conversation with a mother. Others, on the contrary, prefer young professionals, as if they are talking to a friend. The main thing is to find a specialist with whom it will be comfortable and safe to discuss your life.
— A Gestalt therapist deals with mental health, right? And how do you know if you need psychological help? Do you not necessarily consider yourself a sick person?
— Yes, a Gestalt therapist deals with mental health. And to determine the need for psychological help, you don't need to consider yourself sick. Today, those who themselves are aware of their need for help are especially in need of help. If a person already believes that they need help, then they are probably anxious. Her problem may not be that big, but it is significant to her.
At the same time, the Gestalt therapist must be able to detect signs of psychiatric diseases or symptoms. In Gestalt therapy, we have a special course on propaedeutics of psychiatry, where the most common diseases and methods of their detection are comprehensively explained. It is important to be able to recognize the moment when the help of a psychiatrist is needed. In such cases, several qualified psychiatrists should be recommended to the patient so that he can make a choice. Sometimes medication support is needed, and the parallel work of a psychologist and a psychiatrist can be effective.
In addition, psychology has many directions and specializations. For example, addictions — food, drug, alcohol and others. There is work with crises and traumas related to grief, loss of a loved one, home, and so on, which is especially relevant now. There is also sexology, family psychology, work with couples, work with children and adolescents, art therapy. Each of these areas can be useful depending on a person's specific needs.
There are basic needs and situations that may require psychological support. For example, people who are going through a period of intense grief and loss, whether through death, separation from a loved one, loss of home or forced relocation. IDPs who have lost everything due to war also need support.
However, if the psychologist's efforts do not lead to an improvement in the condition, it is necessary to refer the person to a psychiatrist for medical intervention. Long-term depression requires a comprehensive approach that includes both psychological and medical care.
— Can you share a few life hacks that can help a person in life from the point of view of psychology?
First, I believe that people should write down their thoughts and experiences in a journal before going to bed. Write down what you liked today and what you didn't like. Then, after a while, try to maximize the things you like and limit the things you don't. For example, if you like walking, try to walk more. If you don't like exercising, put it off for now. Love to drink coffee - enjoy it in the morning.
It is also important to find people who motivate you, after communicating with whom you feel "not empty". Positive thinking also plays a big role. With the help of therapy, you can improve the quality of your life by working through complex feelings such as guilt, shame, and resentment. Do not be ashamed and do not be afraid to feel these feelings and emotions. I recommend being more selective about your personal time and space.
The conversation was led by Olena Ovchinnikova
