Online Psychotherapy

Therapeutic treatment of psychological complaints

Psychotherapy is the treatment of complaints with clinical relevance: depression, anxiety, sequelae of difficult experiences, lasting exhaustion, psychosomatic symptoms. Unlike counselling or coaching, psychotherapy is therapeutic work and requires a licence.

I offer psychotherapeutic treatment under my licence according to the German Heilpraktikergesetz. My main approach is Gestalt therapy, complemented by behavioural and body-oriented elements where useful in the individual case.

You don’t have to know in advance whether psychotherapy is the right frame for you. In a first conversation we clarify together whether your concerns fit this form of accompaniment, or whether another path makes more sense.

When psychotherapeutic treatment is the right frame

When your symptoms are persistent and noticeably affect your daily life
When you have, or suspect, a medical or psychiatric diagnosis
When you have symptoms after a difficult experience that aren’t resolving on their own
When you are looking for longer-term therapeutic accompaniment
When reimbursement through private health insurance matters to you

When another frame may fit better

If your concern is less a clinical complaint and more a life question, a transition or a process of clarification, individual work is often the better frame. If you want to integrate a psychedelic experience, see the page on psychedelic integration. There I describe when this is sensible within psychotherapy and when as independent accompaniment.

What it looks like

Sessions take place online via Zoom, usually 50 minutes. Frequency depends on need: typically weekly or every two weeks, denser during crises.

How a process unfolds from your first message to a conscious closing is described under How a process unfolds.

Fees and reimbursement

The regular rate is around €100 per session. If that is financially difficult, we’ll talk about it and find a workable solution together.

Private health insurance: Depending on your plan, reimbursement by German private health insurance (PKV) is possible. I issue an invoice in line with the Heilpraktikergesetz which you can submit to your insurer. Please check in advance whether your plan covers Heilpraktiker services.

Statutory health insurance: Treatment is not covered by German statutory health insurance and is paid privately.

My background

I work as Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie based on a licence under the German Heilpraktikergesetz. My professional background: BSc and MSc in Psychology (University of Vienna), four-year training in Gestalt therapy (Symbolon Institute Nuremberg), body-oriented training (Bodynamic), and currently an MSc in Psychotherapy (Behavioural Therapy, UWK Krems). More under Who am I?.

Request a first conversation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between psychotherapy under the Heilpraktikergesetz and psychotherapy by licensed psychotherapists?

Both forms are therapeutic treatment of psychological complaints. Licensed psychotherapists in Germany have completed a state-regulated, publicly funded training; their services are usually covered by statutory health insurance. Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie work on the basis of an official licence under the German Heilpraktikergesetz and are typically paid privately, with possible reimbursement by private health insurance.

My professional background includes a BSc and MSc in psychology, a four-year training in Gestalt therapy, body-oriented training, and a current MSc in psychotherapy (behavioural therapy, UWK Krems). The formal difference from licensed psychotherapists lies mainly in the absence of a statutory health insurance contract.

Will I receive an official diagnosis?

I work with ICD diagnoses where this is professionally meaningful and necessary for treatment. A diagnosis from me, however, is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace specialist assessment, for example in case of suspected serious illness or questions about medication.

Does psychotherapy really work online?

Many people are surprised by how reliable and personal therapeutic work can become online, especially when it takes place regularly and within a familiar frame. What matters is less the room than the continuity and the relationship between us.

How can I tell which frame is right?

You don’t have to know in advance. Some come with a clear sense, others with a feeling or an open question. What is sensible and fitting we clarify together in a first conversation, and sometimes only along the way.

Can I combine psychotherapy and individual work?

A combination is usually not sensible, since both formats overlap and call for different frames. We clarify what fits at the start. If, in the course of our work, another form becomes more fitting, we’ll talk about it openly and adjust the frame.

What if my complaints need a different kind of treatment?

If, in the first conversation or during the course of our work, it becomes clear that medical, psychiatric, or another professional form of care is more fitting or primarily needed, I say so clearly. In some situations treatment with me is only complementary or not appropriate at all; in such cases I may recommend a change or co-treatment.

How long does therapeutic accompaniment usually last?

That depends on the concern. Some treatments take a few months, others extend over one or two years. We decide together when treatment is carrying and when it can come to a good closing.

What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?

I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify me at least 24 hours before the session.

For cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session or no-shows, the session will be charged in full. If you notify me in time (at least 24 hours in advance), we can reschedule at no additional cost.