The writer Johann Hari tells a beautiful story about a Cambodian farmer in his book Lost Connections. The farmer had lost his leg when it was blown off by a landmine, and soon after, he descended into depression. Even though he was fitted with an artificial leg, when he returned to working in the rice paddies, he was in too much pain to work consistently. Soon, he began to experience all the symptoms of what we diagnose as depression (low energy, depressed mood, poor sleep, low appetite, loss of interest in activities, feelings of guilt, and even suicidal ideation).
Instead of jumping to a quick remedy, the local doctor along with some neighbors sat and chatted with this farmer for a long time. They heard about his concerns, fears, and tribulations. Through the conversation, they realized that this farmer felt like he had lost his identity. He was a farmer who couldn’t farm, and there was nothing else with which he could fill his days.
Thinking creatively, his doctor and neighbors realized that another kind of farming might be easier for their injured neighbor and might help him find meaning again. Instead of working in the rice paddies, he could care for a cow and become a dairy farmer. And indeed, that is exactly how they helped him – they bought him a cow! The cow made all the difference in the world, and the farmer’s depression dissipated over the following months. Interviewed a year later, he no longer had any symptoms of depression.
At Liljana’s Practice, we can’t promise to buy you a cow. However, we will help you identify what it is that you’re aching for, and then help you take the steps you need to take to feel peace and joy again.
Our Approach
We tailor therapy to your needs, using methods such as:
- Internal Family Systems – to make sense of your pain and to find the path to healing
- Mindfulness-Based Practices – to ground you in the present moment
- Compassionate Inquiry – we are curious, not judgmental
- EMDR – to help you process trauma for which you may not be able to find words
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to help you understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to help you build coping skills.
- Somatic Awareness Techniques – to release stress stored in the body
Common Signs You Might Need Support
- Constant worry, racing thoughts, or intrusive fears
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
- Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached
Why Choose Liljana’s Practice?
- Empathetic, non-judgmental guidance
- Flexible online or in-person sessions
- Culturally sensitive and multilingual care
- A holistic approach that addresses mind, body, and emotions