Tetiana Yevtushok

Psychologist. Gestalt therapist. Coach. Trainer. Supervisor

Articles

Critical thinking and self-criticism

We often overlook the necessity to learn how to think critically, even though it is a crucial skill for psychological well-being. Just as a gardener tends to the soil to ensure a bountiful harvest, cultivating critical thinking nurtures a healthy mind, fostering resilience and adaptability to tackle life’s challenges. Critical thinking is defined as the […]

Money biases

  • the psychology of money

Money is more than just a tool for buying things—it plays a powerful role in shaping our emotions, behaviors, and decisions. Our relationship with money runs deep, often influenced by subconscious patterns and mental biases. Behavioral economics shines a spotlight on this fascinating connection between psychology and financial decision-making, uncovering how our minds shape the […]

Unveiling the ‘Empty Chair’ Gestalt technique

  • Gestalt therapy

In June, I had the privilege of attending the 54th annual international conference of SPR (The Society for Psychotherapy Research) in Dublin, Ireland. The event showcased hundreds of research projects, focusing on contemporary mental health psychotherapy methods. Among the wealth of evidence-based techniques discussed, one stood out for its versatility and impact: the “Empty Chair” technique. Originally developed […]

Drama of borderline experience

  • Gestalt therapy

Neurotic lacks awarenessBorderline lacks clarityPsychotic lacks sense of identity The Borderline relational disorder is characterized by an individual’s feeling of confusion when confronted with their own experiences. They lack clarity regarding to whom these experiences belong. This leads to a diminished self-esteem accompanied by a fear of abandonment, extreme emotions, and maladaptive mechanisms to regulate […]

Leveraging psychological supports for change

  • Gestalt therapy

“Give me a place to stand, and a lever long enough, and I will move the world,” Archimedes famously declared, highlighting the transformative power of the right supports. This metaphor is profoundly relevant to psychology, where psychological supports form the bedrock for meaningful change. These supports provide the foundation for actions that bring about transformation, […]

Emotional money

  • the psychology of money

In previous articles, I’ve touched on how the subject of money in psychology often overlaps with the emotions tied to it. As Kiyosaki aptly states, “Money is an emotional thing. If you can’t control your emotions, then emotions will start to control your money.” This rings true—not because money is inherently emotional, but because it […]

Studies of parent-child relationships

  • parenting and family

The Essential Role of Family in Shaping a Child’s Future The family is far more than a group of individuals living under one roof. It is the foundational space where children develop the cognitive and emotional abilities they will carry with them for a lifetime. Within a nurturing home environment, children acquire the traits and […]

Dual nature of aggression

  • Gestalt therapy
  • parenting and family

Aggression, derived from the Latin ad gradi (to move toward something), is one of humanity’s fundamental driving emotions. At its core, aggression is an expression of striving — a movement toward connection. This connection may manifest as a friendly affirmation of oneself and others or, conversely, as a force rooted in enmity. Renowned psychologist Rollo May famously […]

The power of emotions

  • Gestalt therapy

Human existence is a paradoxical blend of certainty and mystery. Each person embodies far more than they consciously understand about themselves. Our physical presence may be finite, confined by the boundaries of our body and immediate environment, but our consciousness and thoughts are limitless, expanding beyond tangible borders into the vastness of the universe. This […]

The psychology of selling

  • the psychology of money

Have you ever wondered how to promote your services or products effectively, reaching a broader audience who can truly benefit from what you offer? If so, you might be intrigued by the psychology of selling and the principles that drive it. This isn’t about manipulation or coercion—it’s about understanding the natural psychological mechanisms at play […]

Hysterical model of relationships and its reconsideration in theory and practice of Gestalt therapy

  • Gestalt therapy

Does hysteria exist today? Current trends in working with psychopathology in Gestalt therapy undeservedly ignore the hysterical modality of relationships, since hysteria is considered an obsolete phenomenon inherent to women of the past times of Freud. Rosaria Lisi in her new book fully described how hysteria is inherent in our modern society, equally to men, and women, justifying its origins and relevance, as well as “putting it through» Gestalt therapeutic theory backed by practice.

The neuroscience: Bridging Gestalt theory and practice

  • Gestalt therapy

Modern neuroscience is increasingly influencing psychotherapy, bringing cutting-edge research into its theory and practice. One of the most compelling outcomes of this integration is the growing alignment between neuroscience discoveries and the principles of Gestalt therapy. Grounded in presence, bodily awareness, and the co-creation of lived experiences, Gestalt therapy resonates deeply with neurobiological insights into […]

Understanding debt

  • the psychology of money

In psychology, the issue of debts is rather multifaceted. In this article, I would like to examine it with the context of the dependent behavior and consciousness of needs concept. In the previous works, I already said that money is the metaphor of the contact boundary, as they represent resources, which from one side help us to satisfy needs, and with another – they motivate to develop through the realization of the potential in the process of activity. This is why money itself can not be a source of debt.

Turning conflict into connection: Building stronger relationship

  • parenting and family

Conflict in families and relationships is inevitable. When two individuals come together to build a life, they bring unique perspectives, desires, and needs. This is especially true in modern society, where relationships are based not on necessity but on choice. As a culture, we’ve transitioned from “I cannot live without you” to “I choose to […]

Dreams as pre-verbal space of life

  • Gestalt therapy

While traditional psychoanalysis often emphasizes the interpretation of dreams, Gestalt therapy takes a different, more dynamic approach. Fritz Perls, a pioneer of Gestalt therapy, viewed dreams not as puzzles to decode but as opportunities for integration and growth. He famously stated: “I especially love working with dreams. I believe that in a dream, we have […]

Therapy of existential experiences

  • Gestalt therapy

At some point in life, almost everyone grapples with profound questions about existence. We ponder the meaning of life, wrestle with its fleeting nature, and confront fears of misfortune. We endure stress from life’s battles, experience unexplained loneliness, and agonize over the weight of past and future choices, often accompanied by a vague sense of […]

Personal effectiveness

  • the psychology of money

So what does really guarantee the successful harmonious development of professional activity (business), personal effectiveness in work and the desired financial reward? In physiology, there is the concept of proprioception, the muscular sense of self-movement and body positioning. Since physiology is directly related to mental activity, I took the risk and transferred this concept to the professional body of the realization of a person – his activity, business, work.

Money beyond material value

  • the psychology of money

Understanding Money: A Journey from Materialism to Self-Expression and Growth Money is more than just a currency; it’s a deeply emotional and symbolic element of human life. For many, it evokes strong feelings—fear, shame, anxiety, even anger. These emotions often cause tension and make money a difficult topic to address. Discussing finances is frequently avoided, […]

Financial independence vs. financial freedom

  • the psychology of money

Have you ever tried not to think about something? Let’s do a quick experiment—don’t think about a balloon right now. Did it work? If you’re like most people, the image of a balloon popped into your mind instantly. Why does this happen? It’s because the human brain doesn’t process negatives like “don’t” or “not” as […]

The purpose behind earning money

  • the psychology of money

Have you ever paused to consider why you work hard to earn money? What drives your ambition? Understanding your motivations for acquiring wealth is an essential step toward achieving financial freedom and leading a meaningful life. After all, your quality of life depends not only on how much money you have but also on how […]

Money and the cycle of experience

  • the psychology of money

The Central Role of Money in Human Life Money is a universal tool that shapes our interaction with the world. It serves as the foundation for meeting our basic needs, while also enabling self-expression, creativity, and growth. Far from being merely a transactional medium, money can act as a mirror, reflecting personal values, beliefs, and […]

Panic attacks

  • Gestalt therapy

Panic attacks are more than fleeting moments of intense fear or anxiety—they are profound, often disorienting experiences that affect the mind and body in deeply interconnected ways. Those who endure panic attacks often describe them as overwhelming surges of dread, accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These can include sensations of unreality, […]

Embracing life’s challenges: Turning pain into growth

  • Gestalt therapy

Every moment of our lives is shaped by the way we interact with the world. These interactions, occurring at the ever-changing boundary between ourselves and our environment, are deeply personal. Each of us experiences them uniquely, influenced by the patterns and events of our past—especially our formative years. These experiences shape how we perceive and […]

The power of contact boundaries

  • Gestalt therapy
  • the psychology of money

The concept of the contact boundary is a cornerstone of Gestalt therapy, shaping how we interact with the world and meet our needs. This boundary defines where we end and the environment begins, serving as both a barrier and a bridge. Through meaningful interaction at this boundary, we satisfy physiological and emotional needs, gain new experiences, and […]

Breaking free from emotional dependence

  • Gestalt therapy
  • parenting and family

Emotional dependence in relationships often stems from viewing another person as the primary “cause” of our existence. This mindset creates a dynamic where one partner feels cared for but, at the same time, tethered to the other’s sense of power. The result? A cycle of dependence that binds both individuals in a fragile equilibrium of […]

The psychology of money: Money as a metaphor of the contact boundary

  • the psychology of money

The psychology of money dives into the fascinating connection between wealth and human behavior. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about how money shapes our decisions, relationships, and interactions with the world around us. In this exploration of the psychology of money, we’ll delve into the myths, metaphors, and human experiences that define our relationship […]

Parenting and narcissism

  • parenting and family

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles in life. From birth to adulthood, children require more than just love to flourish. They need stability, structure, empathy, clear boundaries, and most importantly, a parent who is deeply engaged in their journey. This path is not without its challenges, and the parent-child relationship demands […]

Much learning does not teach understanding.

— Heraclitus