Psycological Counseling

Olga KAZAKOVA

Psychological Conseling

Sometimes, small details—like wearing matching cheerful socks or having grown up in the same city, even if we now find ourselves in different parts of the world—can create a sense of comfort and reassurance that “everything will work out.” With this in mind, I’d like to share a bit about myself, allowing you to envision the person with whom you will be discussing important matters.

WHO I AM AND WHY ME?

I sincerely believe that for successful work, in addition to professional skills and approaches, the specialist’s personality and mutual alignment between the client and therapist are crucial.

I grew up in Voronezh. Do you remember the kitten from Lisyukova Street? Well, that’s still my official address in my passport.

I belong to Generation X and am familiar with the intricacies of dialing a rotary phone and using a cassette tape recorder. I also have a fondness for nostalgic items like slingshots, pocketknives, smoke bombs, and dart guns. Additionally, I can pop ribbon firecrackers (referring to Soviet-era toys) and spin eggs to distinguish between boiled and raw ones.

In total, I dedicated 11 years to my university studies, and many additional years seeking methodologies that reinforce my values and consider individual psychological characteristics (narrative practice, solution-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, projective techniques, cinema therapy, art techniques, writing practices and much more).

In my practice, I employ an integrative approach tailored to your specific goals. I can serve as an expert, offering insights into recommendations and how various schools of thought in psychology address different challenges. Alternatively, I can take on a more supportive role, being present for you, asking questions to uncover insights, and collaboratively envisioning a desired future. We can also blend these approaches based on your needs, mood, and objectives for each individual session.

Perhaps these and other helped me graduate from medical school.

This means you can confidently discuss your medical diagnoses with me if they are an important part of your story. I will understand what you are talking about and how it may affect your condition.

After finishing medical school, I moved to Moscow and completed my residency in psychiatry. I am a child psychiatrist.

Feel free to discuss with me if you are seeing a psychiatrist and taking medications; I can provide support.

I conduct consultations in Russian, which is the language I think in; however, you are welcome to switch to English or French if that’s easier for you.

My family has moved several times (Switzerland, Ukraine, Canada, and back to Switzerland, where we currently live amid the mountains, lakes, and cows). I had to put in considerable effort to learn foreign languages, so:

I understand the challenges of adapting to a new country—grappling with questions of identity when your qualifications aren’t recognized, navigating an unfamiliar language, and facing communication barriers with loved ones due to time zone differences.

I will understand well if you are a mom of an extraordinary child, and feel more exhausted than other parents, often needing to visit school more frequently.

I am married, have two children, and a dog (my co-therapist).

One of my sons has ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), and so I know a great deal about it...

Lastly, I’ve experienced periods of active work and long breaks, during which I focused solely on household and childcare responsibilities, often joking that I was “retiring”.

Returning back to work after a long break - even if it’s just summer vacation - can trigger an identity crisis and raise questions about oneself.

I am here to guide you on this journey, regardless of the reasons that prompted it...

This is a small glimpse into my life experience that will help you see me as a “real” person and, may add confidence as you prepare for our consultation.

My education

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