Katja Siegl Štangelj

Relational family therapy (verified by AMMFT – American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) is a psycho-biological approach that always understands an individual as part of the broader relationships system of the entire family they belong to and that has shaped them on the deepest level. It is based on the assumption of compulsive repetition, which means that relationship patterns and basic affects from early childhood are constantly being repeated, as they form the deepest structure of the individual, who therefore unconsciously seeks and recreates them over and over again.

In order to go deep to the source of pain, the therapeutic process usually begins by focusing on early relationships and processing difficult feelings, attachment patterns, traumatic and unjust experiences, and possible intergenerational traumas with the goal of reconstructing, re-evaluating, and finally making sense of painful experiences from the primary family.

Along the way, we also focus on the development of emotional regulation – the individual's ability to regulate their own emotions, with the goal of the therapeutic process being positive change, personal growth, and openness to the good. It is a process of relearning, in which we consciously internalize good experiences in such a way that we enrich and absorb each one, leading to lasting changes in the nervous system.

The therapist's task is to create an emotionally safe and supportive environment in which old wounds can be healed through an intense relationship and new structures can be created that enable us to better cope with stressful situations in the present. With this intuition-oriented approach, we will explore your patterns in depth, learn self-compassion and rediscover your authenticity, all of that bringing more clarity, softness and meaning to your daily life and relationship with yourself and others.

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The introductory meeting is focused on providing information about the therapeutic process and working approach. Depending on the issues you are facing, we will set some framework goals, and at the same time, you will be able to check whether this is the right choice for you. It is important that you feel safe, accepted and heard by your therapist.

Individual or couple’s sessions usually take place once a week for 50 minutes (unless otherwise agreed). After a cycle of 12 consecutive therapy sessions, we usually evaluate the changes and see where we are in the process. With a short break or without one, the cycle can be repeated.

• Please note that your engagement in the therapeutic process is entirely voluntary and can be stopped at any time.

I know myself how much every life change and transition can be filled with fear and uncertainty, so it's perfectly okay if you're not quite sure yet if a therapy might be something for you. Feel free to reach out to set up an introductory meeting, or if you have any other questions. I look forward to hearing from you!