ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE, APPROACH, AND PERSPECTIVE ON PSYCHOTHERAPY

Elena MAKSIMOVSKIKH

I use the principles of the Gestalt approach in my psychotherapeutic work, while maintaining an individualized perspective on each person and their situation.

Gestalt therapy is an approach that helps people explore more closely what is happening in their lives right now: their feelings, needs, relationships with others, and ways of responding to what is happening.

In this work, it’s important not only to understand why something is happening, but also to notice exactly how you’re experiencing it right now. This kind of self-awareness gradually helps you better understand your own needs, recognize familiar patterns, and find new ways to interact with yourself and those around you


GESTALT THERAPY

Gestalt therapy helps you pause and listen more closely to yourself—to your feelings, desires, and what’s happening in your relationships with others. Throughout the therapy process, we’ll explore together what’s on your mind, identify your habitual ways of reacting, and bring to light what sometimes falls outside your awareness. Gradually, it becomes clearer what exactly is happening to you and what you truly want.

And along with that comes greater freedom, self-reliance, and the ability to choose what’s right for you.

MY EDUCATION

I am a medical doctor, Candidate of Medical Sciences (PhD equivalent), physician-psychotherapist, and Gestalt practitioner.

I graduated from Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy with a medical degree. I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation and was awarded the academic degree of Candidate of Medical Sciences.

My qualification as a physician-psychotherapist has been confirmed through professional accreditation in the specialty of Psychotherapy at Privolzhsky Research Medical University, under the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

I am continuing my professional training in Gestalt Therapy at the Baltic Institute of Psychotherapy. I am currently completing the fifth and final module of the programme.

My educational certificates and professional qualifications are presented below.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A THERAPIST?

Seeing a therapist may be helpful if you notice changes in your emotional state, relationships, daily routine, or ability to cope with everyday tasks. For example:

  • constant anxiety, inner tension, or a feeling of fear;
  • panic attacks;
  • depression, apathy, or a loss of interest in life and your usual activities;
  • sudden mood swings or difficulty managing your emotions;
  • obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors;
  • sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating;
  • phobias and heightened anxiety;
  • difficulties in relationships with loved ones, a partner, or coworkers;
  • challenges in the professional sphere, loss of motivation, and emotional exhaustion;
  • coping with loss or other significant life events;
  • low self-confidence and difficulty making decisions;
  • eating disorders;
  • sexual difficulties;
  • addiction to alcohol, psychoactive substances, medications, or gambling.



You don’t necessarily need to figure out the cause of your condition on your own or have an exact diagnosis. Sometimes it’s enough to feel that your usual ways of coping with what’s happening are no longer helping. During a consultation, we can work together to understand what’s going on and determine what kind of help you might need.

The first session is an opportunity to get to know each other. The client gets comfortable in the new setting, talks about themselves, and clarifies any questions they may have.

During this time, the psychotherapist conducts an initial assessment to evaluate your psychological and emotional state. At this stage, it is quite common to feel some tension and anxiety.

Consultation Format

Consultations take place in person at the office or online—depending on your availability and preferences.

An online session allows you to work with a psychotherapist regardless of your location, while maintaining the familiar format of one-on-one work.