Nia Dimitrova
1. After you graduate in international security, you enroll in psychotherapy. How did you decide to make this change?
I've always been interested in the human psyche, even while studying international security I chose subjects like "Psychoanalysis of International Leaders" and actually my thesis was related to that. When I came back to Bulgaria and saw the opportunity to gain further qualifications in psychotherapy, the decision came naturally and as an extension of all the knowledge I had gained up to that point.
2. What does your therapeutic approach emphasize?
In my practice, I focus on helping my clients discover their strengths. Many of my clients come in with a specific request that they know they have potential, but they don't know how to use it. In one-on-one counseling, we address this - exploring that potential, seeing the barriers to it, and working to remove them.
3. What will we learn from your Instagram account?
I share free advice on Instagram all the time, but I also share "uncomfortable" truths. I talk a lot about relationships between people. Only by following what I upload in the form of rants and storytelling can a person tangibly improve their life. I also talk about my journey - something I don't do in personal counseling for example 🙂
4. Three reasons why someone should attend our joint event "Build your dream life" workshop?
If you need a gentle nudge and specific guidance on how to get where you want to be, then the workshop is for you. The first event sold out in exactly 3 days and we received amazing feedback from all the participants - it was well worth it 🙂 !
5. What is the project you have worked on that you are most proud of?
For the last few months it's certainly thereal.insomniya. This is my expert profile where I could choose to upload boring posts with lots of text, but I decided to start shooting videos and in 1 month the results are great. Most importantly, my content has helped an aggregate of over 100,000 people on tiktok and instagram (for free!) which is why I'm proud of this project 🙂 .
6. What advice would you give to a girl who wants to follow in your footsteps in a career plan?
To study a lot and be critical of her knowledge because being a therapist is a huge responsibility. Something that I will never stop repeating is that every therapist (psychotherapist or coaching therapist, it doesn't matter) should undergo supervision with another, more experienced expert. That's the main advice I can give.
7. What is the secret behind learning 5 languages?
Immersing yourself in the culture is key - once you understand the mindset, the mentality of the people, learning the language is much easier.
8. What was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?
Almost every day I step out of my comfort zone, especially with this new project (thereal.insomniya). I strongly believe that in order to evolve, we need to do new things that are right there - outside our comfort zone.
9. How do you unload?
The most common answer is probably "I go to the mountains" and it is really relevant for me because I go to Vitosha every week. But I also dance alone in front of the mirror and allow myself to do things that I enjoy - dinners out, cocktails with girlfriends, quiet nights on the couch at home. When both obligations and entertainment are present in our weeks, then unwinding is a constant, pleasant process 🙂
10. What should every girl from Girls of Sofia know?
Confidence increases with every goal achieved. It's normal to feel less confident when you've just started on the path to your dreams. If you give up, you will stay where you are right now.
