As a psychotherapist, I experience every day how diverse, moving, and sometimes challenging therapeutic processes can be. It is precisely from such experiences – and from my earlier collaboration at ISPP Zurich – that a project very close to my heart emerged: a card set for tricky situations in psychotherapy and counselling. Together with former colleagues from ISPP, we developed this set, which has been published by BELZ Verlag: “Tricky Situations in Psychotherapy and Counselling” https://www.exlibris.ch

What is the card set? The card set is a practical working tool for professionals. It addresses situations that frequently arise in therapeutic practice – sometimes quietly and subtly, sometimes challenging or even surprising. Each card describes a concrete scenario and invites reflection on possible responses.

Examples of such situations:

• A patient suddenly questions the therapy
• A client repeatedly arrives late and downplays it
• Situations in which closeness and professional boundaries need to be renegotiated
• Entrenched dynamics in couples therapy
• Moments when therapists themselves feel uncertain or unsettled The aim is not to find the “right” answer, but to open up different perspectives and become more aware of one’s own stance. __ Developed from shared experience__ Many of the situations come directly from our daily work as therapists – both from our previous collaboration at ISPP and from my current work at Upendo. We collected, discussed, discarded, and rethought ideas. Some conversations were very deep and serious, others light-hearted – and time and again, we found ourselves laughing together about typical or surprising situations from clinical practice. This blend of reflection, exchange, and humor made the process especially enriching.

A collaboration that continues to resonate I experienced working with my colleagues from ISPP as highly inspiring. They are creative and committed therapists who have shaped my own therapeutic style and continue to be involved in exciting projects. We have also invited some of them to contribute to internal trainings at Upendo – a professional exchange that I value greatly. ISPP specializes, among other things, in couples therapy, and we remain in collegial contact, united by the shared goal of supporting our patients in the best possible way. __ Reflecting playfully__ The card set is intentionally designed to be versatile and even playful in its use:

• in supervision
• in training and continuing education
• in team meetings
• for personal reflection
• in therapy and counselling settings It invites users to pause and ask themselves questions such as: How do I respond in such moments? What does this trigger in me? What alternatives do I see?

Created with great care This card set grew out of shared experience and deep commitment. It thrives on diverse perspectives, subtle nuances, and the joy of thinking together. For me, it is an invitation to continually reflect on oneself as a therapist – with openness, curiosity, and a certain sense of lightness.