By Lenka Pitonakova, PhD, RPC-C
Counselling therapy
My greatest passion is helping professionals who live high-demand lives to show up authentically, confidently, and with a sense of balance.Call (672) 203-0140 or book here for a free 15-minute intro call.
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I can help you with:
- Anxiety, burnout, stress, panic attacks
- Depression, feeling unmotivated, helpless and worthless
- Overachieving, overanalyzing, overstimulation and increased sensitivity (commonly referred to as difficulties related to being a high-functioning person)
- The Imposter syndrome
- Personal and work relationships
- OCD, disturbing and repetitive thoughts and behaviours
Theoretical orientation
My theoretical approach is grounded in the works of Freud,
Erikson,
Jung
and Adler.
I put emphasis on the role of early life experiences and the way in which they shape our understanding of
ourselves and of the world around us.
I am also strongly inspired by existentialism
and humanism, especially by the work of
Maslow on hierarchy of human needs and on self-actualization.
I believe that they way we are today is a collection of valid adaptations to previous circumstances. Some adaptations are still useful to us, while others cause us to be in pain and get into difficult situations. In many ways, I understand psychotherapy as a search for the authentic self - a process through which we find compassion for ourselves and learn how to grow towards what truly matters to us. By finding and caring about the authentic self, we are self-actualizing and living a life that is personally meaningful and fulfilling.
Practical approach
Some of the psychoanalytical techniques that I use to explore issues around depression and anxiety include Dream Work, Guided Imagery, Free Association, Psychoeducation and Empty Chair. I am also a proponent of Cognitive-Behavioural and Mindfulness-based approaches and I use solution-based techniques such as Cognitive Restructuring, Reframing, Behavioural Rehearsal and Flagging the Minefield. Additional techniques that I use to help specifically with anxiety, stress and OCD include Deep Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Systematic Desensitization and Stress Inoculation Training.
By combining solution-based and psychoanalytical techniques, I deliver a deeply personalized therapeutic experience that is sensitive to your needs and preferences. I also often engage in Socratic dialogue, exploration of existential questions, brainstorming of solutions and collaborative problem-solving with my clients, while providing compassion and encouragement.
As a former researcher and a software developer, I value goal-oriented approach to treatment, incorporating measurable outcomes and your feedback along the way. I fully encourage doing work outside of counselling sessions, including activities such as self-monitoring, reading, letter writing and practising new skills, and I will actively work with you on choosing, following through with and evaluating homework. I do not charge fees for helping you with your homework between sessions.
