By Lenka Pitonakova, PhD, RPC-C
Counselling therapy
As a software-developer-turned-counsellor, I specialize in providing counselling therapy and career counselling to engineers, designers, managers, researchers and other professionals who are experiencing burnout, anxiety and depression.Call (672) 203-0140 or book here for a free 15-minute intro call.
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I primarily help my clients with:
- Anxiety, burnout, stress, panic
- Difficulties related to high functioning: Overachieving, overanalyzing, overstimulation, increased sensitivity
- Depression, feeling unmotivated, helpless and worthless
- Phobias and irrational fear
- OCD, disturbing and repetitive thoughts and behaviours
My clients often have mild to medium life-long symptoms that make their life uncomfortable and cause them to feel irritated, low on energy and unfulfilled. Many also struggle in social relationships and with having unrealistic expectations of themselves and of others.
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 see all human functioning as valid adaptations to previous circumstances. Some adaptations are still useful to us, while others cause us to suffer and get into difficult situations. In many ways, I understand psychotherapy as a search for the authentic self - a process through which we realize and separate our needs and wants that are based around growth and compassion from those that are rooted in (sometimes irrational) fear and pain. By acting on these authentic needs and wants, we are self-actualizing and living a life that is personally meaningful and fulfilling.
Practical approach
Some of the psychoanalytical techniques that I use 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. 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.