psychotherapy can help with

Problems & Spezialisations

Mental health problems or disorders can manifest in very different areas of life. They can affect thinking, feeling, or behavior, and impair these in different ways. In my experience, however, mental health problems are almost always related to dealing with one’s own emotions and interacting with others.

The following descriptions are based on the ICD-10, the diagnostic manual used in Europe to classify mental illnesses. This classification can be helpful in categorizing difficulties and finding appropriate support. However, it should not be confused with a generic explanation or a description of the entire person. I view diagnoses as helpful constructs intended to encourage discussion about the problems and underlying issues.

I have extensive experience in designing therapeutic development processes in the following subject areas. Of course, you are also welcome to contact me if your issues are different. Within the last five years I developed an expertise in working with clients with LGBTQ+ background.

Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in many different forms, such as a constant preoccupation with worries, phobias, or panic attacks.

All forms of anxiety have in common that they have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life because they limit one’s ability to function and obscure the positive. Anxiety disorders can be treated very successfully with psychotherapy.

Depression

Depression affects a person's mood, motivation, and energy levels. Feelings of sadness, despair, and or emptiness predominate.

People find it difficult to get up in the morning and motivate themselves to get things done. Everything seems meaningless. Depression is very widespread in Europe today and is nothing to be ashamed of. Psychotherapy can help initiate change and find a way to cope with persisting symptoms.

PTBS

Post-traumatic stress disorder describes very intense symptoms that can occur after a traumatic event. These symptoms include ...

… intense nervousness and constant alertness, usually accompanied by sleep disturbances. Furthermore, so-called flashbacks occur: internal “films” in which the trauma is relived, usually caused by a “trigger.” Those affected usually try to avoid anything that might remind them of the event. This is advisable in the short term but perpetuates the symptoms in the long term. Trauma therapy interventions can help regain solid ground, strengthening ressources and reducing nervousness. Using targeted techniques such as EMDR, exposure therapy can also be administered. This often leads to a drastic reduction or even disappearance of symptoms.

Complex PTBS

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder describes very profound difficulties that are particularly evident in interactions with others and ...

… and with themselves. Due to severe, long-term experiences of violence or abuse, those affected usually suffer from low self-esteem, difficulties trusting others, and thought patterns that primarily expect negative outcomes. Furthermore, symptoms of PTSD are or were present.
Psychotherapeutic treatment can help them find their way (back) to life and maintain more satisfying relationships. Self-harm can be reduced, and a more positive self-perception can be developed. The psychotherapeutic process should be planned for a longer period of time to facilitate careful changes.

(Life-) Crisis

Crises are part of everyone's life. They are never easy to overcome, but sometimes they seem insurmountable. Sometimes life changes ...

… drastically in one second. People have to deal with that, and most of the time they succeed. But when a person is at their wit’s end, the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness increases. Thoughts narrow, a “tunnel vision” develops, and feelings are reduced to a mere sensation. This makes it difficult to adapt to new situations or seek creative solutions. The pain, the shame, the stress can feel unbearable. The wish for this to end can lead to suicidal thoughts and sometimes even actions. If you find yourself at this point, I urge you to seek help. People can overcome even the most serious crises, but sometimes they cannot do so alone.

I will accompany you in and through the crisis. The only requirement is that you give yourself and your life a chance, which means being able to distance yourself from committing suicidal acts for the moment.

Psychosis & Schizophrenia

Hallucinations, delusions, nervousness, and anxiety can be symptoms of an acute psychotic episode.

This can also be accompanied by severe depressive symptoms, reduced motivation, and sleep disturbances. In acute psychotic illnesses, I strongly recommend medication treatment by a psychiatrist. However, psychotherapy can be very helpful in processing the experience and finding strategies for coping with the illness.