Praxis Dr. med. Sven Briken

Approaching two years of SVERA :’) 🌾 Thank you to all the sweeties who have came to our classes, workshops, events over the years and the wonderful teachers who hold down the space. We’re very grateful to be able to operate in the way we do and keep things small :3 Stay tuned for a little summer celebration of 2 years SVERI! X, S & S Flowers: @mio.misha @studio.linne Photo: @johannakrsch

A new study in nature suggests that lithium may play a bigger role in brain health than previously understood, possibly in the early mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that lithium becomes trapped inside amyloid plaques, leading to a depletion in surrounding brain tissue. In mouse models, restoring lithium availability reversed inflammation, synaptic loss, and even memory deficits. These findings are early but promising, raising new questions about how lithium deficiency, resilience, and neurodegeneration are connected. Have you heard about lithium’s potential role beyond current use? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Photo: @rasmuskjelsrud

What does it mean to be an artist - not just in your work, but in how you move through the world? In this conversation, photographer and multidisciplinary artist Klaudia Lewi (@dearklaude ) reflects on the process of discovering her artistic identity, navigating uncertainty, and staying grounded through the challenges of creative work. Klaudia is an inspiring person and dear friend, we’re grateful to feature not only her work, but also the person behind it. Her practice explores the psychological boundaries of space by examining the interplay between the body, objects, and their environment. Through her images, she creates what she describes as a “portrait of the psyche” by capturing the unique essence of each subject while bringing the surrounding space to life. This interview offers a glimpse into the inner world behind her powerful photographs and the quiet, ongoing work of staying present, attuned, and intentional as an artist.

Many people with ADHD who menstruate notice that stimulant medication feels less effective in the late luteal phase. One reason may be the drop in estrogen, which plays an important role in regulating dopamine - the same neurotransmitter targeted by most ADHD medications. As estrogen declines, dopamine activity can decrease as well, which may change how medication is experienced. Understanding how hormones, brain chemistry, and medication interact can help patients and clinicians tailor treatment more effectively. We are happy to present another work by @soogimi , a photographer based in Seoul and Berlin, who explores mental health topics and expands the perspective to the collective ’us’, capturing stories that are often marginalised or considered taboo. This photography is taken in 2021 and titled „Essence“. „The image was inspired by my fetal ultrasound photo taken when I was still in my mother’s belly. What I discovered is a simple yet undeniable truth: you, I, all of us began there.“

Mulungu is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil to support calm, sleep, and nervous system regulation. Modern research suggests Mulungu may have natural anxiolytic and sedative effects, helping reduce stress, restlessness, and symptoms of anxiety by interacting with GABA-related pathways in the brain. Although Mulungu appears to have mild GABAergic effects and is not currently known to carry a high risk of dependence, any substance that modulates the GABA system may lead to tolerance or psychological reliance with regular use, so informed and cautious use is advisable. Recent small-scale human studies have shown promising results, pointing toward potential benefits for anxiety and sleep, though larger clinical trials are still needed. As with any plant medicine, be careful and consider speaking to your doctor before use. If you choose to try Mulungu, start with small amounts in the evening, avoid combining it with alcohol or other medication, and listen carefully to your body. This is an unpaid informational post created for educational purposes only. Please note that from a medical perspective, no responsibility or liability can be assumed in this case for your actions and decisions, and that any substance with a corresponding effect also carries risks and side effects. You should inform yourself adequately and obtain appropriate guidance about these, as well as about the legal status of your actions. If you are interested in learning more about Mulungu, visit @amama.space . The cover image was taken by Klaudia Lewi @dearklaude for @lisa.jikeli . @dearklaude is a multidisciplinary artist and photographer who explores the psychological boundaries of space by examining the interplay between the body, objects, and their environment. Through her work, she highlights the unique essence of each subject, creating a „portrait of the psyche“ that brings the surrounding space to life.

Gabor Maté’s view that chronic stress and emotional suppression play a central role in cancer is powerful and resonates with many personal stories. His emphasis on compassion and emotional honesty has helped countless people make sense of suffering. But when we look closely at the evidence, a different picture emerges, as shown in this post. For the title of this post, we are grateful to be able to present a photo by Klaudia Lewi @dearklaude for and with Tara Community @tararetreats . The image shown is part of her BODYTALK series. “BODYTALK translates the silent language of the body into a profound reflection of the self. The series uncovers our subtle attraction to natural objects, revealing the link between the physical world and inner perception.“ @dearklaude is a multidisciplinary artist and photographer who explores the psychological boundaries of space by examining the interplay between the body, objects, and their environment. Through her work, she highlights the unique essence of each subject, creating a “portrait of the psyche” that brings the surrounding space to life. Emotional support is essential for persons with cancer and can directly affect the disease course, as shown in this post. We are happy to announce a new and very careful format for persons with cancer by @herbody.hermind and @withsaura , starting at @svera.studio on March 15th, a space to share and reflect, created by two women that have been affected by cancer themselves. How do you view the relationship between emotional life and physical illness? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Some very *special* February gatherings !! - Live ambient sound, microdosing, Lunar New Year rituals, interwoven voice, culture & embodiment & building trust in yourself & others :) By @jeena.wav @yunearth_ @ambermraihi @nevaruveyda @amama.space @vvtt_ @essential_mind 🤍 Video by @kisa_deluxe 🧊

Public conversations about mental health have expanded rapidly, largely due to destigmatization and social media. While this has increased awareness, a parallel trend called “mindflation” is described.  Mindflation refers to the overextension of clinical psychological terms to describe everyday stress, conflict, or discomfort. Psychological language carries diagnostic and therapeutic weight. Self-labeling or overuse of concepts such as trauma, gaslighting, or ADHD without clinical grounding can blur the line between normal human experience and mental disorder, reduce perceived agency, and foster misunderstanding. Especially when a lot of online mental health content is inaccurate.  Precision in language does not reduce compassion. It supports understanding, care, and meaningful pathways toward healing. The image featured in this post is Travel (2023) by @soogimi . The work explores surrendering body and mind to the present moment through movement, without attachment to place or outcome. Observed from a distance, the figure’s unrestrained motion reflects a state of openness, vulnerability, and presence. @soogimi is a photographer based in Seoul and Berlin. Her work explores personal mental experiences and expands them toward a collective perspective, giving visibility to stories that are often marginalized or considered taboo. What are your thoughts on the way mental health language is used today?

Afterthoughts for todays class.. Tag someone who desperately needs a collective morning meditation routine and bring them to the next class for freeee 👻 COLLECTIVE MORNING MEDITATION, Thursdays, 8:30-9:15 @svera.studio Photo @johannakrsch Plants @mio.misha

What does cocaine really do to the brain and body? Learn more about its often unknown or underestimated risks, and what happens when cocaine is combined with alcohol. For this important topic, we are happy to present and feature a work by @soogimi , a photographer based in Seoul and Berlin, who explores mental health issues and expands the perspective to the collective ‘us’, capturing stories that are often marginalized or considered taboo. The picture is part of her Self-Harm Project (2020–2021) and described as follows: “When people hear the term self-harm, they often think of direct physical injury, such as cutting one’s wrist. However, there are countless other ways in which we harm ourselves: through relationships, physical strain, substances, and more. Even the unconscious habits we repeat when stressed or overwhelmed may be another form of self-harm.” We’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you perceive cocaine use in your surroundings?

The human mind relies on cognitive shortcuts. Biases such as dichotomous (black-and-white) thinking help us reduce complexity, but they also limit perception, emotional flexibility, and psychological insight. In our recent interview, artist @ellabliss______ reflects on how their artistic practice explores these thresholds of perception. Ella Walker is an Australian, Berlin-based artist working across mediums to “create and hopefully solve problems”. They are interested in human and non-human ecologies, cycles of growth and decay, and reoccurring mythologies. We regularly showcase artworks by emerging and established artists @essential_mind @svera.studio . While the artworks are available for purchase, our deeper interest lies in the person behind the work and the psychological dimensions of artistic practice: how art can open doors to inner worlds. Ella’s work touches on something we also encounter in therapy: dichotomous, black-and-white thinking. Instead of reinforcing those contrasts, Ella gently tries to disrupt them. Darkness, in their work, isn’t negative or painful: it’s the unknown, an invitation to look closer, to step into the space where something new might be waiting. Their pieces encourage us to stay curious, to explore what usually stays hidden, and to see nuance where our minds might default to extremes.

Gabor Maté’s trauma-centered model of addiction has significantly influenced public and clinical discourse, offering a compelling, human-centered perspective on suffering and recovery.  Yet current science tells a broader story: trauma can increase the risk for addiction, but so do genes, environment, and different resilience levels. Most people with adverse experiences never develop addiction, and recovery often occurs without intensive trauma work. An integrative, evidence-based approach, combining trauma-informed care with behavioral and pharmacological interventions, remains the current standard in effective treatment. How do you see the connection between trauma and addiction? Photo: @_celineparadis