In the initial session a background mental health assessment is conducted by way of clinical interview. This aids to explore a range of mental health conditions across the lifespan. Relevant assessment questionnaires will be provided for further areas of investigation if needed. In the next session we will explore goal areas, and develop the treatment formulation – a explanatory flow chart of how symptoms or psychological blocks came to exist. Then a treatment plan is agreed upon, and we follow the structure of this plan until your goals are achieved. Individual psychological interventions are tailored to the client, they are not a generalised program.
Christina will support the space for the client to engage in deep exploration of the self. She will also provide attunement, education and reflective questions that support this exploration, but essentially the work of insights, ideas and solutions is collaborative and led by the client. Christina’s input includes tailored psychoeducation, treatment formulation and planning (with diagnosis if relevant), skills training and structured treatment programs. She also provides general psychoeducation via social media to assist with overall efficacy to the lives of clients.
The client commits to their appointments by arriving on time, attending regularly and staying focused on their goals. Clients also provide a willingness to explore and realise aspects of current life and learn the skill of reflection (among other skills). Reflection is a base skill that helps to observe, interpret and hold the actions of the self and others, in an interesting, non-judgemental and potentially meaningful way.
The service delivered is a private practice model for individuals and their families, operating during office hours. As such the service is not able to manage a crisis or emergency situation. Christina will endeavour to reply to your telephone or email contact within 24hours (during weekdays). If you require immediate or urgent assistance, please contact your Doctor/Haus Arzt or Triaplus Ambulante Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Schwyz on 041 747 69 00. If you experience a life-threatening emergency, or are unable to keep yourself safe, please call Emergency Rescue Services on 144.
It is OK to feel overwhelmed when commencing a journey of self-improvement. It can also be that you experience an “emotional hangover” the next day after your initial assessment. Gradually the body and mind become at ease with sharing and exploring the psyche, and overtime sessions become more beneficial. You learn more about yourself and others from different perspectives, you learn what your strengths and values are, develop skills for facing challenges, understand the underlying reasons behind symptoms, and overcome specific problems. Psychotherapy assumes that it is the clients’ responsibility to realise, learn and change, a process is collaborative between client and therapist. Nothing is forced or acted on against your will; the psychologist and client arrive at insights and solutions together. Resistance between client and therapist may also occur, and is a sign of moving too quickly and/or of inner fears around emotion and change. Resistance is a common and healthy process and should be regularly discussed in the session with your psychologist. You are also free to terminate your treatment at any time should you feel the psychologist or the timing of treatment is not right for you.
The psychological interventions (also known as types of therapy) utilised at Aware Psychology are all globally recognised, evidenced based with their findings published in scientific journals. The development of an individualised treatment plan is done in collaboration with the client and the science behind the plan is thoroughly explained. Homework tasks (or in between sessions tasks) are often delivered during psychological intervention. The completion of homework helps to improve your outcomes and achieve your goals faster. Effectiveness of intervention and how long it takes varies from person to person, depending on their life situation, social support, severity of symptoms and levels of resistance. There is no pass fail for psychological process. It is your personal journey of realisation, learning and change.
Payment is conducted upon issue of an invoice, which is usually provided directly after the session. It can be paid in person at the session or within 2 weeks after the session. Our pricing follows the recommendations according to the FSP for psychological services in Switzerland per 30-90 minute consultation. Unfortunately the Basic and Supplementary Insurance (Grund und Zusatsversicherung) since January 2023 does not cover the costs for your sessions with a psychologist. The Ministry of Health has amended the law that only Psychotherapists may be permitted under the Basic Insurance.
Christina Schwendeler
(Monday-Thursday)
8855 Wangen SZ
(Fridays)
Huobstrasse 12
8808 Pfäffikon SZ