Therapeutic
practice
I provide consultations, psychological support, crisis intervention, as well as short- and long- term psychotherapy. My specialization is in the integration of psychedelic experiences and addictive behaviors psychotherapy. I also work with a wide range of other mental health problems and provide support during various life crises. I work with adolescents and adults, in both English and Polish. Given my eclectic nature, I employ several psychotherapeutic approaches, adapting their methods and perspectives to the current needs of the therapeutic process. I am continuously pursuing further education in this regard, and I conduct my practice under constant supervision.
Integration of
psychedelic experiences
The need for integration arises from the very nature of psychedelic experiences, which — despite their therapeutic potentials — are usually difficult, enigmatic, and even overwhelming, often leaving behind confusion, anxiety, and other adverse symptoms (such as persistent perceptual changes or sleep problems). In addition, the beneficial effects of psychedelic experiences are usually temporary and require some sober efforts to be sustained. I thus see psychedelic integration as a work with the content and/or consequences of psychedelic experiences. This includes both support in understanding and implementing the insights gained (maximizing benefits), as well as support in coping with the related difficulties (minimizing harms).
I have been involved in the field of psychedelic integration for several years now. My experience includes providing interventions for difficult experiences under psychedelics in the recreational settings, support in analyzing and incorporating insights from psychedelic experiences as part of my private clinical practice, as well as conducting integration sessions for ketamine-assisted therapy patients. In addition, I offer consultations preparing for psychedelic experiences, in which the focus is on contraindications for using psychedelics, clarification of one's expectations and intention towards the effects of these substances, and mitigation of their potential risks and harms. I also engage in research and education concerning the subject of psychedelic integration.
Psychotherapy of
addictive behaviors
As a psychologist, addiction psychotherapist, and harm reduction specialist, I offer support at every stage of the problems associated with substance use or other addictive behaviors — from prevention and early intervention, through psychotherapy, to relapse prevention. I feel confident in working with either problem drinking, use of various illicit substances, or behavioral addictions.
In such work, I believe that it is essential to focus on the relationship with the object of addiction — a psychoactive substance, the internet, a computer game, shopping, etc. Since this relationship was formed it was needed and has some function. It thus should not be judged but recognized and honored. Relationships that are mainly harmful should be avoided. And those that are nevertheless important should be fixed and maintainable. Moreover, I do not see addiction as a problem in itself but rather as a result of other difficulties (such as life crises, traumatic experiences, relationship problems, chronic pain, symptoms of depression, or ADHD). I therefore support meeting and dealing with these difficulties as well. I also draw on the harm reduction approach, which sees abstinence as the most effective but not always a possible or desirable goal. But most importantly, I carry out the therapeutic process toward mutually agreed-upon goals.
Prevention and
harm reduction consultations
Using psychoactive substances or engaging in any other addictive behavior is always accompanied by certain risks. After all, these behaviors are associated with many adverse consequences, including health, social, or even legal problems. However, these consequences are not inevitable — it is possible to prevent them. Serious problems usually do not appear overnight — their progress and escalation can be avoided. Moreover, the harms associated with addictive behavior by no means affect everyone who engages in it equally. This is because many different factors make up whether these behaviors will be more or less safe.
As prevention is always better than treatment, apart from addiction psychotherapy I am also involved in education, harm reduction, and preventing the escalation of addictive behaviors. These practices are also a subject of my specialization and academic research, in which I focus on harm reduction strategies (i.e., behaviors that contribute to reducing the negative consequences of alcohol/drug use or other addictive behaviors, without necessarily stopping it altogether).
Psychological support
and crisis intervention
I believe that we can cope with most difficulties by having a foothold in ourselves and support from others. However, we often lack one or the other. Unlike psychotherapy, psychological support and crisis intervention focus on bringing out and strengthening the resources we already have, creating a safe environment for uninhibited conversation, and providing a supportive relationship to lean on when facing one's challenges.
I provide consultation, crisis intervention, and psychological support or counseling for a wide range of mental health problems and life difficulties.