Niccola Liedl
Niccola Liedl | Photo: Matthias Witzany
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"Understanding the human soul"

In an interview with #schongenial, psychotherapist in training under supervision Niccola Liedl gives exciting insights into her path to psychotherapy, the challenges of her training and dealing with emotional stress. She also talks about the special demands of working with young people.

#schongenial: Why did you decide to become a psychotherapist?

Niccola Liedl: I have always had a great interest in people and their feelings. I was particularly fascinated by how the human soul "works". From an early age, I wanted to understand why we feel and act the way we do. I was also particularly interested in working with children and young people. It was important to me to work in a social profession where I not only come into contact with people, but where I can also make a positive contribution to the success of society. It motivates me to perhaps make the world a little easier for some people.

#schongenial: What were the biggest challenges during your apprenticeship?

Niccola Liedl : The training programme was definitely very demanding, especially because it was part-time. It wasn't just about learning therapeutic skills, but also about understanding the scientific aspect of psychotherapy. At the same time, I worked in childcare centres and completed various internships - it wasn't always easy to juggle everything. Starting to work with patients was also often very challenging because you naturally have a lot of responsibility in this job.

#schongenial: How do you deal with the emotional stress you experience in your work?

Niccola Liedl: During my training, I learnt how important it is to set yourself apart. This is an essential part of being able to work in this profession in the long term. But I also specifically do things that are good for me to relax. These include my hobbies, such as crocheting, yoga, cooking and baking. But simple, everyday things like reading or taking a bath also help me to switch off. If nothing else helps, a quick chat with a colleague can work wonders.

#schongenial: What specific challenges do you see when working with young people compared to older clients?

Niccola Liedl: When working with children and young people, the family is often heavily involved, which makes therapy more complex. It's not just about the child or young person alone, but also about getting the parents on board. Sometimes it is a challenge to ensure that everyone involved - the child, the parents and the therapist - are pursuing the same goal. It takes a lot of communication and sensitivity to support the whole system.

#schongenial: What are the most common issues or problems with young clients?

Niccola Liedl: It's very different and really wide-ranging. I see a lot of different things here - from anxiety to depression, emotional regulation disorders, ADHD, eating disorders and social phobia. The latter has become particularly pronounced after the pandemic. Young people are often under enormous pressure, whether from school, their parents or social expectations. This pressure can be a huge burden for them.

#schongenial: Does the time of year play a role in your work?

Niccola Liedl: Yes, absolutely. Summer is a more pleasant time for many people. You're outside more, the sun is shining and you collect vitamin D. Many people take time out in summer, such as the summer holidays for school pupils and students. In autumn and winter, on the other hand, many people withdraw, it gets dark early and the cold months can be depressing. For some, Christmas is particularly difficult without family or a social environment, which can lead to an increased feeling of loneliness. Spring, on the other hand, can bring an uplift for many, but suicide rates are also known to rise at this time of year.

#schongenial: Thank you very much for these impressions and all the best for your future work!

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