Training

Dagmar is an experienced therapist having worked in the NHS providing counselling and CBT interventions for individuals and couples. Dagmar was selected to be a part of the OCD clinic in her NHS service and is such well placed to help clients suffering obsessive-compulsive behaviour as well as specific phobias. 

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Dagmar has successfully completed a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Commenius, Bratislava, Slovakia. During her studies she has conducted a pioneering research about the role of psychotherapy in the multidisciplinary treatment of chronic pain. She has also graduated from Brighton University with a Post-graduate diploma in Psychodynamic Therapeutic counselling. In 2019 she has successfully completed her second Postgraduate Diploma from London Metropolitan University conducting research into ‘psychological role of money during the counselling process’.

 

Dagmar is a registered member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is proud to be working within the guidelines as set by the organisation.

All of Dagmar’s work is supervised in accordance of BACP. Dagmar attends fortnightly supervision with a highly experienced supervisor.

 

Dagmar is committed to furthering her development and undertakes additional life-long training in the UK and/or abroad (USA, EU).

Dagmar is an experienced Couples counsellor and is trained in Gottman Couples therapy Method (please find more info below).

 

Approach

At times we can all find ourselves in a messy life situations. We can feel stuck, confused or psychologically paralyzed whilst experiencing anxiety, low mood, panic or simply a pure hopelessness. We might be repeating some well-known “old and updated” patterns which we perhaps recognise as unhelpful, but we are not yet prepared to “try something different”. We might feel that the life is happening to us in an extremely over-whelming, chaotic or even destructive manner. In other instances, we might feel outright exhausted, burned out; with little sense of a real purpose in life.

The safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment can give you an empowering platform for a greater understanding of yourself and your personal histories. It provides a creative space to explore your communication styles and how you engage with the important others. The therapy facilitates more amicable relationship with our past, allowing us to have more fun here and now.

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Through the devices of therapeutic process together with an experience of an empathetic, client-attuned THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP you can begin your discovery of your TRUE SELF. Suddenly, you will be able to make life choices which are in line with your own core-values, living the life rich with meaning and purpose.

Dagmar has an extensive experience in Psychodynamic, CBT and Person focused approaches, she is also trained to deliver “third way” therapeutic modalities like mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

 

Dagmar usually meets clients for an initial assessment to discuss client’s personal and family history and goals of treatment. In line with current presenting issues. We might be able to establish the length and nature of treatment at very early stages of the intervention. I recommend an initial commitment of 6 sessions followed by in-depth evaluation of the progress made. The research strongly suggest that a planned ending is the best predictor of relapse in the future. As such I recommend the minimum of 2 sessions dedicated to the ending of the treatment if client feels that a good progress has been made. An effective therapy doesn’t need to go on for years. 

Areas that I specialize in;

Couples therapy, life transitions, toxic relationships, personality disorders, OCD difficulties, procrastination, NLP, coaching, search for meaning in life, panic, anxiety and low mood. 

 

Couples therapy

The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy is based on Dr. John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970’s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research, Drs. John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy that emphasizes a “nuts-and-bolts” approach to improving clients’ relationships. 

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This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. To help you productively manage conflicts, you will be given methods to manage “resolvable problems” and dialogue about “gridlocked” (or perpetual) issues. We will also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities. 

Gottman Method Couples Therapy consists of five parts: 

• Assessment 

• Treatment 

• “Phasing Out” of Therapy 

• Termination 

• Outcome Evaluation 

Early in the assessment phase, you will be given some written materials to complete that will help us better understand your relationship. In the first sessions we will talk about the history of your relationship, areas of concern, and goals for treatment. 

In the next session, I will meet with you individually to learn each of your personal histories and to give each of you an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. In the final session of assessment, I will share with you my recommendations for treatment and work to define mutually agreed upon goals for your therapy. As a part of the Assessment process you will both complete a through and research informed Relationship Check Up questionnaire, which will give us a good insight as to which areas of relationship need the work on.

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Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may be times when individual sessions are recommended. I may also give you exercises to practice between sessions. 

The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. In the course of therapy, we will establish points at which to evaluate your satisfaction and progress. Also, I will encourage you to raise any questions or concerns that you have about therapy at any time. 

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In the later stage of therapy, we will “phase out” or meet less frequently in order for you to test out new relationship skills and to prepare for termination of the therapy. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one ses- sion together to summarize progress, define the work that remains, and say good-bye.