Vanda Ábrányi

According to the family anecdote, I started talking before I could walk. I’m not surprised that’s the impression everyone had of me because from an early age, I loved asking my adult relatives about their childhood memories. I must have driven them crazy! But I was simply fascinated by how much I could learn about them through stories. I wanted to understand what experiences shaped them into the people I knew. It would make sense to think I was destined to become a psychologist. However, as an introverted, anxious child, and later as a teenager, I never even considered it.

I found it difficult to connect with others; even the thought of having to speak in front of people scared me. I often felt like I never said the right thing. I was always worried about what others thought of me, so I didn’t even try to approach strangers.

Sometimes, not even acquaintances. I didn’t like being the center of attention at all. I preferred to withdraw into the background and occupy myself with quiet activities. So, when the time came, I first chose a profession that I thought was more “impersonal.” However, I quickly realized that this type of work would never be fulfilling for me.

I was drawn to what I feared most: I wanted to work with people.

Talk to them, get to know them, and help them if possible. This realization started me on a long journey of self-awareness, resulting in me finding not only my profession but also myself.

I learned from personal experience how much our difficulties can define our lives. It takes courage to face them, but with persistent effort, change is indeed possible.

I also learned how important it is to be patient and accepting with ourselves.

In my free time, I love spending time with my family, meeting friends, traveling, and going to concerts. Personally, I’ve been an enthusiastic festival-goer for years, and since last year, I’ve also been supporting festival attendees as a volunteer festival psychologist.

I enjoy the buzz and exciting stimuli around me, but I also hold dear those calm activities that help me slow down and dive into my inner world. For me, this includes yoga and creative hobbies, especially makeup. There's something incredibly liberating about using my own face as a canvas to express my emotions and thoughts, and having others see it. But my favorite moments are the quiet times at home when I can just be. Like those evenings spent with my cat on my lap, a good book, and a mug of warm tea.