Why did you become a psychologist?

My desire to become a psychologist began when I was young. From an early age, I was fascinated by questions such as why people behave the way they do, how relationships develop and change, and why some people grow through adversity while others struggle under its weight.

My path into psychology, however, was not a straight one. As is often the case, life had other plans. I married, raised children, experienced moves, major life changes, and divorce. Instead of going directly to university, my focus was on family, responsibility, and earning a living.

Looking back, I am grateful for these experiences. They taught me that life rarely follows a carefully designed plan and that we are all dealt new cards from time to time. Many of the issues people bring to counselling today are therefore familiar to me not only from textbooks, but also from my own life experience.

When the opportunity finally arose, I returned to my original dream and studied psychology.

To this day, I remain fascinated by working with people. I enjoy discovering connections, understanding recurring patterns, and developing new perspectives together. Sometimes psychological counselling feels a little like detective work: together, we search for the missing pieces that help make sense of a situation.

What touches me most is witnessing people regain confidence in themselves, discover new paths forward, and achieve changes they often could not imagine when we first met.

Have you ever been in counselling yourself?

Yes.

I believe it is completely normal to seek support during challenging periods in life. Over the years, I have faced situations that pushed me to my own limits. During those times, I experienced how valuable it can be to speak with someone who listens, offers new perspectives, and walks alongside you for part of the journey.

These experiences strengthened my belief that seeking psychological support is not a sign of weakness, but of courage. None of us should have to carry everything alone.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why it is so important to me to meet people with respect, compassion, and without judgment.

Which book has influenced you the most?

Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy.

I read this book at the beginning of my psychology studies in the United States. At the time, I was a young psychology student, full of idealism and convinced that I could change the world. Together with fellow students, I marched in demonstrations against sexism and discrimination, advocated for animal welfare, and dreamed of creating a fairer and more peaceful world.

While I clearly saw the injustices around me, I was equally convinced that I was on the “right” side of those issues.

Then I read this book.

It challenged me in a way I have never forgotten. By the end, I realised how many assumptions, biases, and various “isms” were present in my own thinking. While I was busy criticising the shortcomings of others, I had overlooked my own blind spots.

It was an uncomfortable but important lesson.

I learned that change does not begin only with other people—it begins with ourselves. Wanting to change the world is not enough if we are unwilling to examine our own beliefs and assumptions. Since then, I have tried to approach people with curiosity rather than judgment and to remember that all of us are shaped by our experiences, values, and cultural influences.

This perspective continues to guide me today, both in life and in my work as a psychologist. It reminds me of the importance of listening, asking questions, and resisting the temptation to place people into boxes too quickly.

What do you love most about dogs?

What fascinates me most about dogs is their loyalty.

Dogs live in the present moment. They do not dwell on the past or worry about the future. Each day is a new beginning, and they are often willing to trust again and again.

Their loyalty does not mean they are invulnerable. Quite the opposite. Because dogs trust, they can also be deeply hurt. Anyone who has lived with rescue dogs or dogs from difficult backgrounds knows that they, too, can experience trauma. Neglect, fear, and painful experiences leave lasting marks—just as they do in people.

Perhaps that is why I am so moved by their ability to rebuild trust despite difficult experiences. I have witnessed this process many times with my own dogs. They have taught me that loyalty is not a weakness but a tremendous strength. It takes courage to trust, to form relationships, and to remain open after disappointment.

My dogs remind me every day that growth and healing are possible—not through pressure or perfection, but through patience, safety, trust, and many small steps.

These lessons have also shaped my work as a psychologist.

Where do you recharge your energy?

My favourite way to recharge is by spending time with my dogs. Few things bring me more joy than cuddling with them or taking long walks together in nature. These moments help me step away from everyday demands and remind me of the value of simply being present.

I also love reading. A good book can inspire new ideas, offer fresh perspectives, or simply provide an opportunity to step into a different world for a while.

Another passion of mine is travelling. I have always been fascinated by different countries, cultures, and ways of life. They broaden my perspective and remind me that there is often more than one right way to live.

At the moment, I am also discovering the joys of gardening. Every day it teaches me something about patience. Plants, after all, do not grow faster simply because we watch them. Perhaps that lesson applies to many areas of life as well.