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wherever you go, there you are

10/27/2024

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The title might sound a bit obvious—after all, where else would you be than where you went? Yet this saying points to a fundamental truth about life that we often forget. And surprisingly, it’s also one of the basic lessons in therapy.
​One of the main purposes of therapy is to help clients address their problems, find solutions, and introduce lasting change in how they think, feel, or behave. Most often, these problems arise in relationships—romantic, friendly, family, work, or even neighborly. Other times, they come from intrasubjective experiences, which is a fancy way of saying the relationship we have with ourselves. To put it simply: you need to make peace with who you are, with past mistakes, and with your emotional baggage. You need to learn to love yourself.
In therapy, we focus on changing what we call maladaptive patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior. Often, when these patterns shift, our relationships improve as well. But sometimes, no matter how much personal growth we achieve or how many dysfunctional patterns we let go of, the same problems persist, even if slightly reduced.
The first obvious solution might seem to be changing your environment—ending relationships, switching jobs, moving to a new city. It’s a radical approach, but it can bring short-term relief. Yet, in the long run, it often doesn’t solve the deeper issues. Why?
When we move, change jobs, or enter new relationships, we naturally hold back at first. We don’t fully express our personality—the good and the difficult parts. But once we settle in, old behavioral patterns often reemerge. Unresolved issues, or those only superficially addressed, tend to come back. People and situations in our lives will trigger familiar reactions, and we may act in ways that resemble past patterns. Some of this comes from unresolved issues with specific people (transference), and some from our own maladaptive behaviors.
This is why deep, lasting change in therapy is so important. Superficial fixes won’t stop old problems from recurring. Change must be felt, owned, and integrated, or it remains temporary.
Wherever you go, there you are—with all your strengths and vulnerabilities. Your personality and habits follow you. If you notice the same kinds of challenges popping up repeatedly in your life, it may be time to return to therapy and explore profound personal growth. By addressing the root causes, you can finally break cycles, strengthen your relationships, and create meaningful change that lasts—no matter where life takes you.

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Let go. Declutter. Start anew.

10/8/2024

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How long have you been battling the same situation, solving the same problems, or facing the same dilemmas? How far have you really gotten?
​When we cling to something, no matter how unhealthy it is for us, we develop tunnel vision. We only see what we want to see, focusing on a narrow perspective while missing the bigger picture. This keeps us trapped in a vortex of negative emotions, self-fulfilling prophecies, and dead ends. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and leads absolutely nowhere.
I’m not talking only about relationships, though we often struggle most here—including the relationship with ourselves. I’m talking about all the areas of life where we refuse to let go, mistakenly believing that if we try hard enough, everything will fall into place. Often, persistence works—whether it’s for relationships, careers, hobbies, or other areas. Yet, there are moments when we must admit that something isn’t working and simply move on instead of going round in circles. This can feel like a toxic codependent relationship, one we try to escape while simultaneously trying to rescue it. It’s exhausting, pointless, and emotionally draining.
We need to learn how to let go. Sometimes things aren’t meant to be—and that’s perfectly fine. Many people think that letting go of an obsession is a sign of defeat, but it’s actually a sign of maturity and personal growth. Accepting when to release something shows that we’re no longer trying to prove ourselves to others—or even to ourselves.
When we let go, we free up energy to focus on what truly brings us joy, excitement, and fulfillment, instead of letting our lives be drained by what no longer works. Saying goodbye to what doesn’t serve us creates space for new opportunities to enter our lives.
So, let’s release the one thing causing us sorrow. Let’s give life a chance and open ourselves to new possibilities. There is so much out there waiting for us, but life doesn’t offer unlimited time. Stop wasting energy on endless problem-solving and start doing what brings you happiness. There is no shame in cutting your losses and moving on. You’ve learned your lesson, and now it’s time to declutter your emotional life.
If this feels overwhelming, start small--declutter your closet or drawers. Give your life some much-needed oxygen to breathe, stop rehashing the past, and move forward to create a better future for yourself.

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    Katarina's LIFE Principle:

    “If we want to change the world, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. That is why I love real people who say what they mean and mean what they say. No fluff, no lies and no pretence.”
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  • Home
  • Services
    • Integrative-Relational Psychotherapy
    • Individual Psychotherapy
    • Couple's Psychotherapy
    • Group Psychotherapy
    • Coaching
  • Fees
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Contact