August 5, 2025

It’s common knowledge that mental health professionals usually come into the field in an attempt to heal themselves. Although I’ve always liked puzzles – and what can be more puzzling than mind – my search for cure began years ago after my parents had separated. An eleven years old girl at that time, I stumbled upon a book on my father’s balcony. Dense was the writing, especially for a kid, but that cryptic text about extraverts and intraverts got me enthralled and I’ve carried this passion through years. This small “diary”, if you will, is a way for me to psychoanalyse myself (like Freud used to do), and understand what techniques proved useful and why. Perhaps, someone looking for a self-help tool will find it here. Or such is my hope. Danke, Herr Jung, for turning up on the balcony that day, in the spirit of your writing if not in flesh and blood.

Numerous different views on understanding and healing of the mind exist. Of them I’d like to mention three major groups without going into much detail. Each school has something to offer, and it is my earnest belief that they are the most effective when used in wise combination. Perhaps, the best metaphor would be a coctail one. We can mix same or slightly different ingredients and get very different results. Moreover, the very same coctail may be delicious for one person and absolutely revolting for another. Skillfull bartenders can ask a few questions and mix a coctail the best suits the client and their mood.