Aneta Dorazilova: Our task is to provide a safe space for patients

Why did you go into psychology?

Actually, I've always been attracted to psychology. I've always enjoyed listening to and later reading stories where you could empathise with the characters and follow their journey. I guess I was always interested in the less conventional characters or those who had to overcome some obstacle. Originally, I was deciding between biology and psychology. But in the end, psychology won out.

What do you enjoy about being a psychologist?

Again, it's the life stories. I appreciate that my clients allow me to walk a little bit with them, even if it's through some opaque or difficult path. I enjoy talking to people, seeing their development, and of course I am most pleased when I feel that what we are doing is helping. I also take great pleasure in working together with colleagues and sharing experiences.

What groups and programmes do you run at the Ondřejov Day Psychotherapy Sanatorium?

At Ondřejov I run the Birch group and do individual psychotherapy. But most of my time is spent leading our great psychological team. I would like it to be as stable as possible and to find the work fulfilling.

What do you consider the most important thing about your work "at Ondrejov"?

Communication and respecting boundaries. For our clients, the world can be completely opaque and scary at times. Our job is to give them a safe space and communicate clearly. To be predictable, consistent and to maintain continuity and regularity in the therapeutic process. I think the same applies to working as part of a team of professionals, where I would still emphasise looking after your own mental health.

How do you replenish your energy? How do you spend your free time?

I spend a lot of time with friends in fields completely different from psychology, going outdoors, listening to music and learning new things.