Dr Emma Ostrovskaya BSc, DCouns
Counselling Psychology & Existential Therapy Adults, Couples & Children
Therapy
Aims of the therapy is to:
- Encourage clients to re-define their existence, their values and beliefs, and to reach a deeper level of self understanding and self awareness.
- Help the clients to become more authentic and honest with themselves and with their relationships with others.
- Encourage clients to acknowledge and to act on their freedom and talent.
- Help the clients to come to terms with their past experiences, to heal past traumas, and to learn the lessons the of their past.
- Help the clients to realise the abundant potentiality of their present situation, and to begin using the resources available in the present.
- Aims to assist the clients in their search for the the meaningful direction in their existence.
In my approach I aim to help the person to explore their existence on four existential dimensions: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. On each existential plane I will also incorporate the aspects of Psychoanalytic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches, to allow the tensions and dilemmas to be realised and resolved:
Physical dimension
On this dimension we will explore how you relate to your body and your
physical surroundings. The general issues that arise on the physical
plane are concerned with bodily health and appearance, possessions and
mortality. Often our personal identity and our emotional well-being are
tied up to how we feel in and about our bodies. Thus we will consider
finding the balance in your current eating habits, exercise regime, drug
and alcohol consumption, and will explore the tensions between the
desire to be youthful and healthy, yet having to cope with illnesses and
old age.
Another important aspect of the work is around the emotional tension that every-body holds when experiencing the distress or trauma. Every discomfort in our life is recorded by the muscular memory that is slowly accumulated, and the rigidities can become deformations not only in our bodies but also in our behaviour. Therefore we will do a considerable work on resolving the bodily and emotional tensions by using the technique called Focusing where by directing our attention to the location of the tension or trauma, we can to release long held pressure. We will also identify and develop the methods that can help you to self-sooth, ground, and find relief from the physical pain and emotional discomfort.
Social dimension
Here we will explore how you relate to others, the way you experience
your culture, class, race. In the modern society, the group dynamics are
ranging from competition and desire for dominance, to compliance and
blind following. The desire to belong can lead to sacrificing individual
needs and personal freedom. Equally the rejection of the social standard
can lead to the rebellion and isolation. Therefore by exploring the
choices you make in your social and family environments we can
facilitate and enhance the responsibility (response-ability) that can
enable you take a new position that is more in line with your authentic
believes and desires, and helps you to find, and to own, your place
within the social and family realms. We will also question deeply
embedded stereotypes in order to gain new perspectives, and broaden the
horizons of your social engagement.
Psychological dimension
On the psychological dimension we will explore how you relate to
yourself and how you sustain your personal world. We will explore to
what you are holding on to, and unable to let go of. We will look at how
you see yourself, yours and others expectations, perceived weaknesses,
anxieties, emptiness, all of which are will be our source for
transformation. From existential perspective there is no idea of a
substantial or solid self, but our identity is a fluid process of
becoming, therefore we will identify and remove the obstacles that limit
your present process of becoming the person you wish to be. We will also
identify your hidden talents, and will uncover and connect to everything
that can bring you joy and aliveness. I also use different Mindfulness
techniques to teach the person how to reach a mindful awareness without
grasping for the repetitive and habitual distractive thought patterns.
Spiritual dimension
On spiritual: dimension we will explore how you create a meaning and
purpose in your existence. ‘Spiritual’ does not necessarily
means religious or spiritual dogma, but the plane of your existence
where you try to come to terms with why you are here. Thus here we will
discover and engage the higher values and connections available in your
existence. We will contemplate the void and nothingness as a part
inherent in the human condition, and will identify what is it you
believe is worth living for.
The given framework is by no way a fixed or rigid structure, but is a source of reference that is tailored specifically for each person. Trained as phenomenologist means that I approach each client and each personal history with openness, and I see you as an expert of your existence who will educate me about your personal dynamics. Just as no one will ever experience the other as they are, I do not feel I have a right to give you the answers for how to be. I am here to encourage, share and support your process of unfolding, and it is by giving this authority back into your hands, I believe you can truly meet yourself, heal and develop anew.