1. There “is no” problem, despite the fact that it keeps reminding you of itself through vague anxiety, a strange discomfort, a feeling of dissatisfaction.

All of this is attributed to non-psychological factors, so the effort goes into removing the symptoms.

2. The problem is recognised as psychological, but is explained largely by the influence of circumstances: the wrong family, an unsuitable country, an excessively fine sensibility, bad luck.

An unquenchable curiosity about causes and a tireless search for recipes for “doing something about it”. Answers to the question “how” are valued most of all.

3. The causes have been studied in detail, and new strokes are added to the picture from time to time. The problem is lived through differently, but it is just as pressing.

The state of “I know everything, nothing changes”.

An understanding arrives that answers to the question “how” are not only useless but sometimes harmful.

4. Spontaneous insights in situations connected with the problem, insights that take in the realm of emotions and feelings (the “aha experience”, in Perls’s terms).

Reactions and behaviour cannot be changed yet, but that is a matter of time (from this level onwards). Along with the pain of acknowledging one’s own responsibility for what is happening comes a sense of power over one’s life, and that is inspiring.

5. The ability to notice, in time or with a slight delay, one’s habitual reactions and patterns in field situations connected with the problem.

The “eyes open” to possibilities that were previously blocked or forbidden. The freedom to choose to act differently returns.