Degree and Training
I graduated as a Clinical Psychologist from the Moscow State University. My post-graduate studies include: a program on Existential Analysis, certified by the Austrian Association GLE-International; a program on group facilitation “Professional Trainer” in the Institute of Practical Psychology (Moscow); NLP practitioner; and a MA degree in Dance/Movement Therapy in UAB (Autonomous University of Barcelona), EMDR certificate. I also participated in various short-term seminars and work-shops on Art Therapy, Body-oriented Psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Embodiment, Strategic Psychotherapy and others. I did an internship in the Russian Academy of Education, where I mastered techniques of developmental psychotherapy oriented towards cognitive, creative and emotional development of pre-school children using artistic means.
Practical experience
I have worked in the field of psychology for over 15 years. Last 10 have been mostly dedicated to counselling and psychotherapy. I have worked in Moscow, NYC and Barcelona. In Barcelona I’ve worked as a dance/movement therapy intern in a rehabilitation day center for chronic psychotic patients and in Vicki Bernadet, a foundation for the support of the victims of childhood sexual abuse. Currently I have a private practice attending adults and teenagers.
Professional associations
I am a member of the Official Association of Psychologists of Catalonia (Col·legi Oficial de Psicolegs de Catalunya), Network of English Speaking Therapists (NEST), Spanish EMDR association and Spanish Dance/Movement Therapy Association.
Existential analysis
The theoretical base for my work is called Existential Analysis. It is founded on the idea that a person can reach fulfilment in life by establishing a clear dialogue with themselves and the world. Of course this doesn’t mean speaking to one’s reflection in a mirror, but really listening to one’s inner voice. This voice is always present inside, but sometimes our inner noise interferes and we stop hearing it. The task of an existential analyst is to help one learn to listen to oneself and communicate productively with the environment, in order to live happily, fully, meaningfully, and in harmony with oneself.
Dance/Movement Therapy
Dance and Dance/Movement Therapy appeared in my professional life later than everything else. While studying Existential Analysis I started noticing that although this theory is rich, beautiful and experience-based, I need to ground it in the physical body, in palpable reality. Dance/Movement Therapy gives an opportunity to use movement as an instrument for changing psychological states. Dance/Movement therapists believe that the human body, mind and soul are deeply connected. Therefore, affecting one we can produce change in the others. Apart from the themes directly connected to the body, Dance/Movement Therapy improves emotional stability, raises the quality of life, helps regulate mood swings, helps us to endure stress more efficiently and has many other positive benefits. I use Dance/Movement Therapy as an independent method, or apply specific techniques including them in more traditional psychological counselling.
Development through art
Between the ages of 3 and 7 years, the main tasks that a child faces are play and creativity. By drawing, playing, moving and building, a child in fact learns to think, to regulate and structure their activity, to process emotions. In my sessions with children I use painting, drawing, expressive movement, modelling and other creative means, helping them to prepare for a new stage: active cognitive activity in school. Often it is this period that really determines the trajectory of all later development.
Dance
Dance means a lot in my life. For the last 15 years I’ve been dancing Contact Improvisation, 5 rhythms, tribal dance and many others. Dancing helps me feel more alive, full of energy, enjoy my body and learn to interact better with others. By dancing I can change things that cannot be changed with words. It is through dance that I keep finding access to my power and my femininity.
