Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising every time we fall.
The cognitive function of mentalization, reflected in the theory of mind, is central to our ability in understanding ourselves and others. This propensity allows us to differentiate our emotional experiences from those around us, which forms the foundation of empathy and self-awareness. When faced with a mental illness like schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, clinical depression, or generalized anxiety this fundamental ability can be significantly impaired, leading to internal struggles and external challenges with relationships.
When someone close to me was diagnosed with schizophrenia, it provided me with a firsthand understanding of the significant effect this mental illness has on the mind. During visits to see them in psychiatric facilities, I was struck by the creative expressions of patients grappling with mental illness. Their poetry, paintings, and other artworks often carried profound emotional depth, revealing the psychological pain they were navigating daily. This influential exposure highlighted the inhibiting effects of mental illness on cognitive processes and emotional well-being.
Only during hard times do people come to understand how difficult it is to be the master of their feeling or thoughts.
From a young age, I have been fascinated by the complexities of the human mind, which has driven me toward a career in psychotherapy. At the early age of five, I found myself captivated by observing others around me on the playground. This early curiosity led me to realize that each individual has a unique mind that influences every aspect of their lives.
In my exploration of mental illness, trauma has frequently emerged as a primary catalyst, intricately woven into the fabric of psychological distress. Each person’s trauma is unique, requiring an equally unique approach to promote healing and understanding. Drawing from my own experiences within challenging environments, I have gained insight into how past trauma shapes our perceptions and behaviours, often manifesting unconsciously in our daily life.
Throughout the past few decades as a clinical social worker, I have come to appreciate the importance of developing a holistic understanding of each patient to provide compassionate care while addressing mental health challenges. It is this combination of intellectual curiosity, personal experiences, and a commitment to empathy that drives my professional endeavours in psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis.
To more clearly understand the intricacies of the human experience, I chose to embark on a journey of intellectual and professional growth. My academic pursuits first led me to obtain a Master’s of Arts in philosophy, specializing in the theory of mind and psychoanalysis. Despite receiving a scholarship offer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), my passion for psychoanalysis drew me to stay in Romania. There, under the mentorship of Dr. Bela Papay, a well-established psychiatrist, I began my personal psychoanalytic training and therapy. This experience provided me with a valuable perspective on treatment from the patient’s standpoint, which continues to strengthen my abilities in treating my clients today.
My commitment to advancing psychoanalysis in Romania then motivated me to collaborate with The Romanian Association For Psychoanalysis Promotion (AROPA), contributing to the growth of the Romanian chapter within the European Psychoanalytic Federation and later the International Psychoanalytic Association. A monumental personal milestone during this period was the publication of my inaugural book, “Encounter with the Shadow – A History of Personal Psychoanalysis,” published by AROPA. This autobiographical work delves into my introspective journey within psychoanalysis, offering insights from my own personal experiences as a psychoanalytic student and client.
Expanding my therapeutic knowledge, I then engaged in a transformative group therapy psychodrama experience in Italy, which immersed me into role-playing scenarios that helped myself and other patients work through past trauma. The session was guided by Giovanni Boria at the Studio di Psicodramma in Milano. First originated by Jacob Levy Moreno, psychodrama helps patients improve self-awareness, promote emotional expression, foster empathy, and encourage personal growth through improvisation and group interactions. My participation not only facilitated healing for others but it also granted me a fresh perspective on my own maternal trauma when I assumed the role of another patient’s mother. This reciprocal learning experience underscored the profound impact of psychodrama therapeutic interventions on both patients and other participants.
When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.
Shortly following my time in Italy, I underwent training in transactional analysis, human sexuality, and sex therapy under John Parr at the European Association for Transactional Analysis in Belgium. Originated by Eric Berne, transactional analysis is a powerful tool for deciphering interpersonal dynamics and emotional patterns, making it incredibly effective in therapeutic treatment. By integrating transactional analysis into our sessions when appropriate, I will equip you with the insights and skills necessary to deepen your self-awareness and enhance your interpersonal relationships.
Upon relocating to Canada, I faced new challenges that prompted personal growth and resilience. After gaining a clear understanding of the modalities of psychoanalysis, I began navigating my own mental distress while cultivating self-empowerment. After this transformative experience, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, laying a robust foundation for my professional journey.
Over the past two decades in North America, I have immersed myself in the Canadian mental health landscape through a multitude of diverse roles within forensic psychiatry, hospitals, universities, counselling agencies, and private practices across Canada. Through these positions, I have gained a professional understanding of psychotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, mentalization based therapy (MBT), and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I am currently focused on writing my second book, “No Goods To Follow.” This forthcoming work blends autobiographical narratives with analytical reflections, emphasizing the transformative power of psychotherapy in reshaping our life narratives. Throughout my extensive professional journey, I have come to realize that life is messy and dysfunctional for everyone. The beauty of it resides in our capacity to overcome adversity and continue on. In my practice, I apply the principles of psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis to thoroughly understand your mind. Let’s embark on a transformative, empowering journey of telling your story and together rewrite a better version of it.
