Our non-profit organization BUDÚCNOSŤ, n.o. operating in Nitra and the wider area is currently implementing a project called “FUTURE WITHOUT VIOLENCE”. Improvement and innovation of services provided for persons at risk of violence in the context of addiction, which is implemented from October 2022 to March 2024. The goal of the project is to offer specialized services for persons experiencing violence in connection with addiction, while it is directly addressed to clients experiencing violence in the context of addiction, children of clients at risk of violence in the context of addiction, teaching staff of primary schools and also the general public by bringing the topic closer and, in particular, providing the possibilities of solving the mentioned problems. We present a series of mini-interviews with female employees of our organization, who at the same time represent various types of so-called helping professions.
Interview with psychologist Mgr. LENKA AMBRUŠOVÁ
1/ In what position do you work in the organization BUDÚCNOSŤ, n.o. and what is your main job in relation to the Norwegian project?
OD: I work as a psychologist in the BUDÚCNOSŤ organization. As a part of my work within the Norwegian project, I work as a psychologist for women, women in violence in the context of addictions. Together with a colleague, we lead a group focused on working with women whose partners are addicted. I also work with clients individually and provide them with psychological counseling/psychotherapy.
2/ What professional background does your position require, or what competences and skills you need to have and why?
OD: I graduated in single-disciplinary psychology, I also completed long-term psychotherapeutic CBT training in the Czech Republic. I have been working with addicts and their families, both outpatient and institutional, since 2011. As a part of the project, we are expanding our knowledge in the field of violence in the context of addictions. My previous experience with leading groups, knowledge about addiction as a disease and work in individual psychotherapy helps me to better tune in to the problems and difficulties experienced by women in relationships with addicts.
3/ What do you think about the mutual link between the two great themes, addictions and violence?
OD: There is no addiction without violence. If one of the partners is addicted, the fact that he/she is addicted, which includes lying, misleading, irritability, nervousness, mood swings, explosiveness, jealousy, blaming, can be considered violence in a psychological form, and many times it is accompanied by physical violence, not only fights, but often also sexual pressure. Dependence weakens self-control, erases inhibitions and is therefore often the basis for the development of other forms of violence.
4/ What is your preferable approach to clients and why?
OD: I personally place great emphasis on relationship, without it we cannot move forward in our work with clients. Many times, a safe relationship, security is what clients lack, so I try to make them feel in contact with us and in our work that they can feel safe, that we understand them. Only through a secure relationship can they begin to open up about their injuries, experiences, and relationships. However, it is a long journey that consists of hours of joint meetings. I respect and leave room for them to talk about what they are ready to talk about.
5/ Which themes are the most visible ones in the sphere of violence in the context of addictions in your opinion? Which ones require the most thorough solutions?
OD: It is for sure the theme of threatened life of women and children. It is the one which needs to be addressed most thoroughly.
