This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Malvina Bartmanski, a clinical psychologist in private practice who brings a holistic approach to understanding the mind-body connection. With expertise spanning psychodynamic and somatic therapies, Dr. Bartmanski shares her professional and personal journey, shedding light on the transformative power of psychology in helping people foster healthier relationships with themselves and others. Dr. Bartmanski reflects on her intuitive calling to pursue psychology, a passion ignited at the age of 12. Her journey has been one of deep introspection and curiosity, driven not only by the desire to understand others but also to explore her own inner world.

An Integrative Approach to Healing

Dr. Bartmanski’s approach to healing is deeply integrative, blending psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, and other modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She highlights how somatic therapy, in particular, addresses the impact of trauma on the body and helps regulate the nervous system—a critical area of focus in post-pandemic mental health. With the nervous system at the forefront of many psychological discussions today, Dr. Bartmanski explains how physical symptoms, such as those seen in autoimmune conditions, often stem from nervous system dysregulation. She reassures listeners that anxiety, as part of the fight, flight, or freeze response, is a normal reaction to abnormal experiences—and that healing is possible through self-regulation and holistic care.

Psychology and the Mind-Body Connection

Dr. Bartmanski explores the profound interplay between mental and physical health, particularly through her work with autoimmune conditions. By understanding how our psychological states influence physical well-being, she encourages listeners to embrace the interconnectedness of mind and body in their healing journeys.

Becoming a Psychologist: The Gruelling Path

For aspiring psychologists, Dr. Bartmanski provides a candid look at the rigorous process of becoming a clinical psychologist, from the competitive master’s selection week to the emotional and intellectual demands of the profession. There are often just a handful of positions open to students, yet hundreds of applicants apply. She shares insights into the lesser-known aspects of the field, including the business acumen required to run a private practice. Financial planning, marketing, and building a client base are just a few of the skills psychologists must master to succeed in private practice.

Building Sustainable Habits and Achieving Goals

Drawing from her clinical expertise, Dr. Bartmanski discusses why resolutions often fail—typically due to vague or immeasurable goals. She advises listeners to set specific, sustainable habits and practice patience in pursuit of their ambitions. She also touches on how self-limiting beliefs and default modes of functioning can hinder progress, and how adaptability and discipline are essential for overcoming these barriers.

Redefining Success and Following Your Calling

For Dr. Bartmanski, success is a fluid and evolving concept. She encourages listeners to believe in themselves, embrace authenticity, and live in alignment with their unique purpose. Her message is one of hope: no matter the obstacles, there is always a way to achieve your goals. By following your calling, you express and experience different parts of yourself. For example, one of Dr Bartmanski’s leaps of faith was establishing Lala Palm Safari, a specialist safari travel company that offers tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime wellness-infused safaris.

With her profound insights into mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, Dr. Malvina Bartmanski leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: “There is a light and purpose inside all of us. Believe in yourself, follow your calling, and live what feels right for you.”

Tune in for more…