Q&A

Frequently asked questions about the process of psychotherapy or coaching

(1) How long does support take? (Coaching or therapy)? That depends entirely on your topic(s) and how deeply you want to go. Briefly outlined topics can often be addressed in a few hours, but if a topic is connected to other, older issues, it may take longer. Furthermore, everyone has their own pace, and it's important to respect that. Sometimes, it may seem like not much is happening from the outside, while major changes are taking place within your internal system. Sometimes, support through a certain phase of life is useful, such as a separation/divorce or grief after the loss of a loved one, or even after receiving a serious (physical) diagnosis. Such support during phases of adjustment to a new situation can provide significant relief and prevent the emergence of further stress.

(2) How often should I come? Since I work freelance, you are completely free to decide. It is often beneficial to agree on shorter intervals at the beginning (every week or every two weeks). After a certain period of time, during which you have learned a lot and are feeling better, you can then switch to a rhythm of once a month or less often. Depending on the topic, you can get a few hours of support and then see how your daily life develops. If necessary, you can simply book additional hours. Overall, we are completely free to adapt to your needs, so that you feel comfortable and safe.

(3) Are online sessions possible? In principle, yes! However, if it's psychotherapy (rather than coaching), I conduct at least one in-person session at my practice at the beginning. IFS and other of my techniques can also be conducted very well online. I offer EMDR exclusively in-person. A mix of online sessions and individual in-person sessions is also conceivable. Online sessions offer the advantage of being in the safety of your home, where you feel comfortable, and of course, of eliminating the need to travel.

(4) Who knows that I've been to your practice? As a self-payer, only you and I know that you've been to my practice. If you submit an invoice to your private health insurance provider, they will also know. Otherwise, the therapy won't be recorded in any file. You also don't have to wait for a waiting period if you've already had psychotherapy reimbursed by your insurance provider.

(5) What do I need to bring? Above all, openness and a concern for yourself! Also, a willingness (and sometimes courage) to grow and change. New behavior often feels strange and wrong at first, which is completely normal. This requires a willingness to embrace it and simply try something new. Because if you really want change, things will be different. If resistance arises, we can address it together and figure out what's needed. You're not alone! But a "yes" to the first step on a new path is necessary. I often work with "homework," offering you various kinds of inspiration to do at home (using a relaxation technique, trying something out with others, etc.). This, too, is an invitation to try new things.

(6) Ich kann mich an meine Kindheit gar nicht gut erinnern, habe aber gehört, dass das in der Therapie/im Coaching oft wichtig ist. Das macht gar nichts. Unsere beschützenden Anteile halten (unangenehme) Erinnerungen oft weg von uns, damit wir unseren Alltag und unsere Arbeit meistern können. Wenn Menschen mit innerer Arbeit anfangen, passiert es oft, dass spontan Erinnerungen oder Bilder auftauchen. Aber das ist kein Muss. Der Körper/das Nervensystem haben die Dinge gespeichert, die relevant sind und die noch einmal angesehen werden müssen. Zudem erinnern sich Menschen auf unterschiedliche Arten. Manche sind sehr visuell, und erinnern sich an Bilder/"Filme" aus Ihrer Vergangenheit, bei anderen sind es eher Ahnungen oder Wahrnehmungen im Körper. Wir lassen uns ganz von Ihrem System führen und vertrauen auf seine Weisheit.

(7) I have problems with another person, but they don't want to go to therapy. Will it even help if I come alone? Of course, we can only ever work on ourselves. However, we are always part of a system (in a family or at work, for example), which is like a mobile. As soon as we change, it always affects the other people with whom we are in contact. Here, we can work on the parts of ourselves that always clash with another person, for example. If we succeed in resolving this, real contact with that person often relaxes automatically. It doesn't matter whether the other person wants to work on themselves or not. You can look at how you can take good care of yourself and how you can nurture your emotions, your body (your inner parts). You can learn this, regardless of what other people do. On the contrary, other people can never replace loving contact between us and our own parts.