EMIL BONEV: PSYCHOTHERAPY BENEFITS EVERYONE

Psychotherapy is a proven way not only to overcome disorders but also to live more harmonious lives. Emil Bonev, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with years of practice who works with science-based methods, elaborates.

Why should a clinically healthy person not underestimate consulting a clinical psychologist?

According to the common myth, psychotherapy is for people with psychological disorders. In reality, one does not have to meet any diagnostic criteria to benefit from working with a clinical psychologist.

Psychotherapy is an opportunity for in-depth understanding of one's thoughts, emotions and behavioural models. This realisation is the first step towards real change. Even clinically healthy people can improve their emotional regulation and relationships, achieve more functional behaviour and set clearer personal boundaries. Psychotherapy is a reliable path towards achieving a better quality of life, stress management and more conscious everyday choices.

As a psychotherapist for healthy people, the clinical psychologist is the scientific alternative to self-help approaches. Clinical psychology is the academic foundation on which psychotherapeutic skills are built. However, becoming a good psychotherapist requires additional training and practice. The combination of scientific and practical training and experience allows us to work effectively with both clinical cases and people who seek growth, not treatment.

How can a clinical psychologist help a patient with a psychological disorder?

In short: through different scientifically backed psychotherapy methods.

Depending on the disorder, psychotherapy can be the main or a supportive treatment method. In anxiety conditions, such as panic attacks, hypochondria or moderate depressive disorders, psychotherapy can be sufficient. In other cases, the best results are achieved in combination with medication. However, while medication can alleviate the symptoms, if the thought patterns remain unchanged, there is a high risk of relapse. Here, psychotherapy is instrumental, as it works on how the person interprets reality, reacts emotionally and behaves.

In anxiety disorders, for example, some approaches rely on gradual exposure to anxiety triggers, allowing the brain to relearn. Some theories suggest that over-suppression with medication can impede this process and advocate for drug-free psychotherapy. In practice, however, a more balanced, comprehensive approach is used.

In conditions such as bipolar affective disorder or psychotic disorders, medication is essential. Psychotherapy has a supportive role, it helps the patient to recognise early signs of incoming episodes, improve motivation and manage residual symptoms.

Why did you choose to base your practice on the methods of cognitive behavioural therapy?

CBT is one of the best researched psychotherapeutic methods. We have solid evidence for its effectiveness in anxiety and depressive disorders, addictions, relationship issues and many more.

CBT's structure offers a clear model. We know how to start the therapy, how to conceptualise the case and how to plan interventions. At every stage, I know what I should measure to assess whether the client is progressing and where the obstacles lie. This makes the process more transparent for the client as well.

The method is clinically oriented. It starts with diagnosis. Each disorder has its own model – an understanding of how the issue arises, is maintained and deepens itself. It is individualised according to the particular person – their thought patterns, life experience and behavioural reactions.

Last but not least, the Bulgarian school in CBT is at a very high level. This also affected my choice.

What are its capabilities to affect the patient in depth?

CBT does not work at a surface level focused only on the here and now. It reaches down to the patient's core beliefs about themselves, others and the world, often formed in childhood or early adulthood.

These beliefs are changed through a combination of techniques – cognitive (working with evidence and alternative interpretations), behavioural (real-life experiments) and emotionally focused. So-called imagery techniques are also used – they work with the imagination to process memories and create new emotional experiences. This allows for a deep impact on past experiences that cannot be changed by logic alone.

How is it different from another method that you use, Schema Therapy?

Schema Therapy arose from CBT but is now a separate method. Both approaches start with a formulation based on underlying thought structures. While CBT focuses on current symptoms and thought patterns, Schema Therapy focuses on childhood experiences in which basic emotional needs were not met, leading to the so-called early maladaptive schemas or thought patterns through which the patient perceives the world.

The conceptualisation in Schema Therapy is based on identifying these schemas and the patient's modes. Modes are the instantly activated schemas, the emotions they evoke and the behaviours that follow from them.

Schema Therapy also uses cognitive techniques based on rational thinking but, to a greater extent, relies on direct emotional impact.

Why does psychotherapy remain one of the best ways to restore our inner harmony?

It is probably a combination of factors. The therapy's content is crucial: identifying key thoughts, emotions and experiences, and working on them through specific techniques. Many therapeutic approaches teach clients to recognise their automatic thoughts, regulate their emotions and improve their communication in relationships.

The therapeutic process is also instrumental. It provides a space where the patient can be open without judgement, creating conditions for both change and inner harmony.

Sofia, 16 Lavele St, floor 7, office 703
+359 887 803 538
www.emilbonev.com