<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Psychotherapist Elena Padurariu]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mag. Elena Padurariu Individual and Couple Psychotherapy in English, German and Romanian]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:49:38 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://book.padurariu.at/de/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The first things we drop when we’re stressed are often the things we need most]]></title><description><![CDATA[I see this pattern often in my practice: when work gets heavier, the first thing to go is everything that keeps a person balanced. People start skipping the evening walk,  we have no time for our friends, the guitar is laying in a corner, gathering dust, conversations with a partner resume to logistics or watching TV because we are too tired to listen and engage.  The instinct makes sense: leave away the "non-essentials," free up time and energy to face the workload. But what actually happens...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/the-first-things-we-drop-when-we-re-stressed-are-often-the-things-we-need-most-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ab265d30bc76381ff0a036a</guid><category><![CDATA[Ruhe & Balance finden]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:26:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_aea94155bccb4d41b648f01e922b3673~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The first things we drop when we’re stressed are often the things we need most]]></title><description><![CDATA[I see this pattern often in my practice: when work gets heavier, the first thing to go is everything that keeps a person balanced. People start skipping the evening walk,  we have no time for our friends, the guitar is laying in a corner, gathering dust, conversations with a partner resume to logistics or watching TV because we are too tired to listen and engage.  The instinct makes sense: leave away the "non-essentials," free up time and energy to face the workload. But what actually happens...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/the-first-things-we-drop-when-we-re-stressed-are-often-the-things-we-need-most</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6ab25370703293e42173b558</guid><category><![CDATA[Finding Calm & Balance]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:22:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_aea94155bccb4d41b648f01e922b3673~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When someone around you is angry: How to stay grounded without taking it on]]></title><description><![CDATA[Anger changes the atmosphere in a room. A voice becomes louder, movements become sharper, or someone starts pacing, sighing or speaking with visible irritation. Even when the anger is not directed at us, our own body may tense. We become alert, we may want to calm the person down, defend ourselves or leave the room. This reaction doesn't necessarily mean we are overly sensitive. Our nervous system continuously reads facial expressions, tone of voice, posture and movement for signs of safety...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/ro/post/when-someone-around-you-is-angry-how-to-stay-grounded-without-taking-it-on-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa287dd93b2f22ac759cdad</guid><category><![CDATA[Înțelege-ți emoțiile]]></category><category><![CDATA[Conversații mai bune]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:35:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_e752970426b94ab6a08d1e222a065cdd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When someone around you is angry: How to stay grounded without taking it on]]></title><description><![CDATA[Anger changes the atmosphere in a room. A voice becomes louder, movements become sharper, or someone starts pacing, sighing or speaking with visible irritation. Even when the anger is not directed at us, our own body may tense. We become alert, we may want to calm the person down, defend ourselves or leave the room. This reaction doesn't necessarily mean we are overly sensitive. Our nervous system continuously reads facial expressions, tone of voice, posture and movement for signs of safety...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/when-someone-around-you-is-angry-how-to-stay-grounded-without-taking-it-on-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa287c9516d79a68585c8bb</guid><category><![CDATA[Die eigenen Gefühle verstehen]]></category><category><![CDATA[Bessere Gespräche]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:34:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_e752970426b94ab6a08d1e222a065cdd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When someone around you is angry: How to stay grounded without taking it on]]></title><description><![CDATA[Anger changes the atmosphere in a room. A voice becomes louder, movements become sharper, or someone starts pacing, sighing or speaking with visible irritation. Even when the anger is not directed at us, our own body may tense. We become alert, we may want to calm the person down, defend ourselves or leave the room. This reaction doesn't necessarily mean we are overly sensitive. Our nervous system continuously reads facial expressions, tone of voice, posture and movement for signs of safety...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/when-someone-around-you-is-angry-how-to-stay-grounded-without-taking-it-on</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa27e13c83cc1d7e1d9a950</guid><category><![CDATA[Understanding Your Emotions]]></category><category><![CDATA[Better Conversations]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:34:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_e752970426b94ab6a08d1e222a065cdd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stories We Tell Ourselves During Conflict]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people come to therapy hoping to learn better communication skills: to argue less, express themselves more clearly, and finally feel understood. Yet in years of working with couples, one pattern stands out: communication itself is rarely the biggest obstacle. What gets in the way is less visible than that. In conflict, we stop being curious about our partner’s inner world and start assuming instead. “You don’t care.” “You’re doing this on purpose.” “You always think I’m the problem.”...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/ro/post/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves-during-conflict-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a677a30b59a92d7d312fee7</guid><category><![CDATA[Conversații mai bune]]></category><category><![CDATA[Relații mai puternice]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:33:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_ff8588d334ac40e9b3fe9ab966b58c8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stories We Tell Ourselves During Conflict]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people come to therapy hoping to learn better communication skills: to argue less, express themselves more clearly, and finally feel understood. Yet in years of working with couples, one pattern stands out: communication itself is rarely the biggest obstacle. What gets in the way is less visible than that. In conflict, we stop being curious about our partner’s inner world and start assuming instead. “You don’t care.” “You’re doing this on purpose.” “You always think I’m the problem.”...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves-during-conflict-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a677a116f2795e74c5f2007</guid><category><![CDATA[Bessere Gespräche]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stärkere Beziehungen]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:32:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_ff8588d334ac40e9b3fe9ab966b58c8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stories We Tell Ourselves During Conflict]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people come to therapy hoping to learn better communication skills: to argue less, express themselves more clearly, and finally feel understood. Yet in years of working with couples, one pattern stands out: communication itself is rarely the biggest obstacle. What gets in the way is less visible than that. In conflict, we stop being curious about our partner’s inner world and start assuming instead. “You don’t care.” “You’re doing this on purpose.” “You always think I’m the problem.”...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves-during-conflict</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a67732fb59210289e9557aa</guid><category><![CDATA[Better Conversations]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stronger Relationships]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:32:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_ff8588d334ac40e9b3fe9ab966b58c8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How We Build Relational Resilience]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we hear the word resilience, we usually think of an individual's ability to adapt to difficult life experiences through emotional flexibility, self-awareness, and healthy coping. But what about relationships? Relational resilience is the ability of a couple to navigate challenges, recover from disconnection, and emerge from difficult times feeling stronger and more connected. Resilient couples don't avoid conflict; they learn from it and use it to strengthen their foundation. Can...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/ro/post/how-we-build-relational-resilience-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2a785ec783a6b06fe0c782</guid><category><![CDATA[Relații mai puternice]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:57:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_27123f9c88f2475ab025da826d799eeb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How We Build Relational Resilience]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we hear the word resilience, we usually think of an individual's ability to adapt to difficult life experiences through emotional flexibility, self-awareness, and healthy coping. But what about relationships? Relational resilience is the ability of a couple to navigate challenges, recover from disconnection, and emerge from difficult times feeling stronger and more connected. Resilient couples don't avoid conflict; they learn from it and use it to strengthen their foundation. Can...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/how-we-build-relational-resilience-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2a7831f4dd7d8a5b8166c1</guid><category><![CDATA[Stärkere Beziehungen]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:56:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_27123f9c88f2475ab025da826d799eeb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How We Build Relational Resilience]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we hear the word resilience, we usually think of an individual's ability to adapt to difficult life experiences through emotional flexibility, self-awareness, and healthy coping. But what about relationships? Relational resilience is the ability of a couple to navigate challenges, recover from disconnection, and emerge from difficult times feeling stronger and more connected. Resilient couples don't avoid conflict; they learn from it and use it to strengthen their foundation. Can...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/how-we-build-relational-resilience</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a282daa7af0f733569b2207</guid><category><![CDATA[Stronger Relationships]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:46:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_27123f9c88f2475ab025da826d799eeb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is high-functioning depression?]]></title><description><![CDATA[High-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis, but it's a term used to describe people who experience feelings of depression while being able to maintain their daily responsibilities.  People who experience it still show up at work. They meet their deadlines, answer their emails, and manage to keep a full schedule. Because of this, from the outside, everything looks fine; no one could tell. But from inside, the world looks different. Some warning signs to look out for include: —...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/what-is-high-functioning-depression-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a01dabd0d8273e65561f14d</guid><category><![CDATA[Die eigenen Gefühle verstehen]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 13:34:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_b742f3ead8ff46bba9252a6b5467ef1c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is high-functioning depression?]]></title><description><![CDATA[High-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis, but it's a term used to describe people who experience feelings of depression while being able to maintain their daily responsibilities.  People who experience it still show up at work. They meet their deadlines, answer their emails, and manage to keep a full schedule. Because of this, from the outside, everything looks fine; no one could tell. But from inside, the world looks different. Some warning signs to look out for include: —...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/what-is-high-functioning-depression</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a01c96769457e5adb37063e</guid><category><![CDATA[Understanding Your Emotions]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 13:33:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_b742f3ead8ff46bba9252a6b5467ef1c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why do so many burnout interventions fail—despite good intentions?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Because burnout is rarely just an individual problem. Research consistently shows that focusing only on the employee, through stress management tools, meditation apps, or reduced hours, is not enough. The most effective and lasting results come from combining individual and organisational approaches. In my work with clients recovering from burnout, one factor makes a profound difference: what they return to. Receiving leadership support, a safe space to talk about vulnerabilities, flexibility...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/ro/post/why-do-so-many-burnout-interventions-fail-despite-good-intentions-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69dcff445bbe30f4c4901cc0</guid><category><![CDATA[Liniște și echilibru]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:35:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_bec4d0a9e8a843d782d5cf0d556ffd90~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why do so many burnout interventions fail—despite good intentions?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Because burnout is rarely just an individual problem. Research consistently shows that focusing only on the employee, through stress management tools, meditation apps, or reduced hours, is not enough. The most effective and lasting results come from combining individual and organisational approaches. In my work with clients recovering from burnout, one factor makes a profound difference: what they return to. Receiving leadership support, a safe space to talk about vulnerabilities, flexibility...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/why-do-so-many-burnout-interventions-fail-despite-good-intentions-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69dcff266b6722ae5e2b5b30</guid><category><![CDATA[Ruhe & Balance finden]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:35:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_bec4d0a9e8a843d782d5cf0d556ffd90~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why do so many burnout interventions fail—despite good intentions?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Because burnout is rarely just an individual problem. Research consistently shows that focusing only on the employee, through stress management tools, meditation apps, or reduced hours, is not enough. The most effective and lasting results come from combining individual and organisational approaches. In my work with clients recovering from burnout, one factor makes a profound difference: what they return to. Receiving leadership support, a safe space to talk about vulnerabilities, flexibility...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/why-do-so-many-burnout-interventions-fail-despite-good-intentions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69dcfd89c31b00fb8513bf63</guid><category><![CDATA[Finding Calm & Balance]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:32:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_bec4d0a9e8a843d782d5cf0d556ffd90~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mental overload- how to recognise it?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Perhaps nowhere do we undervaluate the importance of recovery as much as in the mental dimension of our lives.  In most work environments, we receive the message that working longer and continuously is the best route to high performance. Slowing down, taking breaks, or prioritising wellbeing is rarely promoted. But we are all aware that the ability to think clearly, make good decisions, and stay focused is a key factor in our performance. Much as it is true physically and emotionally, the...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/mental-overload-how-to-recognise-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c3ccfee15007f12d6b170f</guid><category><![CDATA[Finding Calm & Balance]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:57:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_9e0b5aba000d475faed86e14950e3023~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Standing in the Dust: What a Classic Novel Teaches Us About Expat Resilience in Vienna]]></title><description><![CDATA[Yesterday, I revisited the opening chapter of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. There is a beautiful scene where, after the corn is destroyed by the dust, the women and children watch the men. They aren't looking at the ruins of the crop; they are looking at the faces of the men to see if they will break. Steinbeck writes that as long as the men were angry, they were safe. It was only if they became silent and despairing that the real danger began. As a psychotherapist working with the...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/de/post/standing-in-the-dust-what-a-classic-novel-teaches-us-about-expat-resilience-in-vienna-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698b0357aa4989dc805f1502</guid><category><![CDATA[Leben zwischen Kulturen]]></category><category><![CDATA[Ruhe & Balance finden]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:07:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_d36663b565dd4d8ebc22679261d9dc4e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Standing in the Dust: What a Classic Novel Teaches Us About Expat Resilience in Vienna]]></title><description><![CDATA[Yesterday, I revisited the opening chapter of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. There is a beautiful scene where, after the corn is destroyed by the dust, the women and children watch the men. They aren't looking at the ruins of the crop; they are looking at the faces of the men to see if they will break. Steinbeck writes that as long as the men were angry, they were safe. It was only if they became silent and despairing that the real danger began. As a psychotherapist working with the...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/standing-in-the-dust-what-a-classic-novel-teaches-us-about-expat-resilience-in-vienna</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698aff8f41590511a345ec5a</guid><category><![CDATA[Life Between Cultures]]></category><category><![CDATA[Finding Calm & Balance]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:06:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_d36663b565dd4d8ebc22679261d9dc4e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What if burnout isn’t just about work? What if it’s about self-esteem?]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a therapist, I rarely see burnout as a simple result of an increasing workload. That’s a one-sided perspective that leaves out the power of the person experiencing it. As if we have no agency in how much we take on. In my work, I meet people who: Don’t trust themselves to set boundaries around their time and energy. They are driven by perfectionistic standards, and nothing seems to be good enough. Rely on external validation to feel worthy and fail to give themselves praise and credit for...]]></description><link>https://book.padurariu.at/post/what-if-burnout-isn-t-just-about-work-what-if-it-s-about-self-esteem</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68a30769054d02f5f639d159</guid><category><![CDATA[Finding Calm & Balance]]></category><category><![CDATA[Growing With Confidence]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:16:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f7c05a_d7d0d2fcb4f546aaae01b8b7e9f45702~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elena Padurariu</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>