Gabriele-Maria Scheda
I came to the arts in the mid-1990s via a psychology study. In 2018, the circle to psychology was closed again when I completed an in-depth training as a psychological counselor with various therapeutic methods. I encountered Core Shamanism according to Michael Harner, which is a large part of the counseling work I do today. I am not a psychologist or naturopath.
Jonny Star
I have been exhibiting internationally under the artist name Jonny Star for 30 years and have organized numerous solo and group exhibitions. As an artist, I have detailed knowledge of the structures and parameters of the art world, about the daily work life of artists and cultural workers and the emotional challenges that these professions entail. I am happy to make this expertise available in my psychological counseling sessions.
In fact, my life path serves as the basis of my counseling; besides the psychological knowledge about diagnostics, mental illnesses and therapeutic methods, which I acquired during my psychology studies and training. Like many people, I followed a healing path that demanded strength and courage. I am familiar with early trauma, a lack of basic trust, feelings of being uprooted and emotional crises that create hopeless feelings. And, I know about the effects of shocks and traumatic events that have taken place in life.
I had a strong connection to nature early in my life and have lived and farmed in different countries. I can say with certainty that nature heals and gives support. Berlin, this city with its great people, growth potential and supports has given me the opportunity to become who I am. Among other things, I was able to work and live as an artist in Berlin for decades, and thus find my voice through the great resource of artistic expression. Here, too, I can say with certainty that our creative expression heals and gives support.
We know that healing is possible. Depending on the injury, the healing process may take time and scars may remain. There is no guarantee of healing, but it is possible. And we often know very well what we need in order to heal. And it is wonderful when we meet people on our path who support us in the understanding that we carry our solutions within us, but cannot always perceive them. In the spirit of Carl R. Rogers' client-centered interviewing, active listening with congruence, respect and empathy is the prerequisite for meaningful counseling. In this way, people can find their own, self-reliant solutions and be supported by activating their personal resources.