From the Perspective of Our Psychotherapists: Irma Gorančić Šunje

The “From the Perspective of Our Psychotherapists” column is designed to help you get to know our psychotherapists better through questions from the fields of psychotherapy and mental health.

IRMA GORANČIĆ ŠUNJE, psychotherapist

• What is psychodrama, and how does working through “action” and roles help us better understand our emotions, relationships and inner conflicts?

Psychodrama is a space where we are given permission to pause, feel and express what often remains unspoken. Through movement, role play and creative “action,” we move closer to our emotions, relationships and inner worlds. Rather than only talking about ourselves, in psychodrama we experience ourselves with greater clarity, understanding and compassion.

• How can psychodrama help people who have been through traumatic experiences, or who feel they have lost spontaneity and creativity in everyday life?

When we go through difficult or painful experiences, we often lose our sense of lightness, joy, spontaneity and trust in ourselves. Psychodrama offers a safe and gentle space in which, at our own pace, we reconnect with our inner strengths. Through creativity and spontaneity, we gradually restore a sense of aliveness and discover new ways of being present in our lives. Psychodrama offers a safe space in which a person, step by step, can regain a sense of control, strength and choice. Through creative methods and work with the body and emotions, people often rediscover their vitality, flexibility and inner resources.

• You work with children, young people and adults – how does the psychodramatic approach adapt to different age groups and client needs?

Every stage of life carries its own stories and challenges. Psychodrama adapts to the age and needs of each person. Children express themselves through play and imagination, young people through exploring identity and relationships, and adults through work on life roles and personal growth. What unites everyone is a safe space where it is all right to be exactly who you are.

• You conduct both individual and group work – what are the benefits of psychodramatic support groups, and who do they benefit most?

In a group, the healing realization “I am not alone” often happens. Sharing, listening and mutual support help us feel seen and accepted. Psychodramatic groups are places where we learn new ways of connecting, strengthen trust in ourselves and others, and build a sense of belonging. Psychodramatic groups are especially helpful for people who want to: better understand themselves and their emotions, feel lonely or misunderstood, work on relationships, go through life changes or crises, feel they have lost spontaneity and/or creativity, or want personal work in a safe and supportive environment. A therapy group is like a mirror of everyday life: in it, our patterns of behavior, emotions and ways of connecting naturally come to light. What makes it different is a safe space and the presence of a facilitator who helps turn whatever emerges into an opportunity for understanding and growth.

• Since the pandemic, you have been running online groups for pregnant women and mothers – how can group support help women during periods of major life changes and new roles?

Pregnancy and motherhood bring profound changes that are tender, beautiful, but also demanding. Online groups give women a space where they can freely share their feelings, without judgment or expectations. Through togetherness and psychodramatic work, women strengthen their trust in themselves and find support and a sense of connection during periods of major life changes.