In the case of chronic, psychosomatic and somatic diseases, as well as mental disorders – such as depression or other conditions requiring long-term treatment, including pharmacotherapy – and in the situation of neurodiversity, therapeutic work primarily serves as psychological support.
What is psychological support?
In such work, we jointly look for solutions, strengthen and name the resources of a given person.
To this end, we help:
- discover interests,
- find healthy sources of pleasure and energy,
- learn to avoid stressors and build and consolidate healthy habits,
- reduce stress and better understand your own situation and options for action.
Gradually, we recognize difficulties, including those resulting from individual personality traits, and determine in which areas the patient can take responsibility for the change.
Supporting methods
It is also recommended to use additional forms of support, such as mindfulness, biofeedback or social competence training, which help to cope with stress and anger.
It is also worth considering participating in group therapy or social skills training (TUS), which are conducive to developing relationships and building a sense of community.
These methods are helpful not only for neurodiverse people. Chronic pain, stress or the experience of trauma can also temporarily limit the ability to respond adequately and function socially.
When is proper psychotherapy possible?
Psychotherapy – including depth therapy or metaphor therapy – is indicated in situations where people from the above groups experience trauma, crisis or other difficulties requiring support characteristic of classical psychotherapy.
In such cases, in addition to psychological support, the patient may also receive psychoeducation, interventions and therapeutic tasks based on different approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), art therapy or other recognized psychotherapeutic methods.
Their goal is to reduce tension and give meaning to inner pain, difficulties, as well as experiences of trauma or violence. Sublimation-based techniques are also often used in this process.
Conditions for starting psychotherapy
To start typical psychotherapy, it is necessary to be ready for deep work and self-analysis, as well as the absence of factors that prevent stable participation in the therapeutic process, such as:
- self-destructive elements and dissociative disorders,
- mechanisms such as derealization or depersonalization,
- severe anxiety or decompensation,
- depressive disorders,
- suicidal tendencies,
- profound personality disorders,
- any situations that pose a threat to the patient’s health or life,
- active addictions.
Also, prolonged grief or chronic PTSD may temporarily prevent the start of deeper therapeutic work, as they require prior emotional stabilization.
