Whether you are entering psychotherapy for the first time or returning to it, the process can often feel confusing or even a little intimidating.
That’s why I find it important to give you an initial impression of how a treatment or session typically unfolds. Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly how your personal therapy will develop, what topics we’ll discuss, or where the focus will lie, as every individual is unique and brings their own priorities to therapy.
That said, there are some commonalities: In most cases, a session lasts between 45 and 50 minutes. In some situations, sessions may be shortened to 25 minutes or extended, depending on the context — we will always discuss and agree on this in advance.
All content discussed in our sessions is subject to legal confidentiality under § 203 of the German Penal Code. No information will be shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
Whether you are a private patient, paying out-of-pocket, or insured under the reimbursement model for statutory health insurance (§13 SGB V), we will always begin with an initial consultation. This appointment allows us to explore your concerns, goals, and expectations for therapy — and gives you a chance to get to know me as well.
During this first session, we will also go over some administrative aspects. Transparency is important to me, so we will also review and sign the treatment agreement if we mutually decide to proceed with therapy.
If you are paying privately, I will invoice you either monthly or quarterly, depending on what suits you best. This process complies with legal regulations. Billing is based on the official fee schedule for psychological psychotherapists (GOP).
The rate multiplier may vary depending on the complexity and context of the session (e.g., language, time of day, social fee adjustments). The cost will always be discussed with you in advance and included in a written agreement so that there are no unexpected charges.
You do not need to receive a formal diagnosis to pay for your sessions yourself. However, I am happy to carry out a diagnostic assessment and share the results with you if desired.
The overall length of therapy can be difficult to predict and depends on many factors. Research shows that targeted, individualized therapy durations tend to be most effective — overly prolonged treatment may, in some cases, reduce its helpfulness. Therefore, I aim to keep therapy as long as necessary, but as short as possible.
Honest communication is essential to me, and we will decide together when the right time has come to end the therapy.
For clients covered by private health insurance, we will also begin with an initial consultation.
Please check with your insurance provider in advance whether prior authorization is needed even for the first session, or whether initial (probationary) sessions are covered. Requirements vary between insurance companies.
Please clarify in advance what benefits are included in your specific policy and what conditions must be met for reimbursement. Useful questions to ask include:
- Are psychotherapy services generally covered — and if so, which ones? (e.g., consultation sessions, probationary sessions, case history, evaluation reports, regular therapy sessions)
- Are services provided by psychological psychotherapists recognized?
- To what extent are costs reimbursed? Is the standard 2.3x fee multiplier reimbursed? Is full reimbursement offered? How many sessions are covered annually or in total?
- Must therapy be pre-authorized — and if so, how? (informal letter, specific application form, report to an evaluator, etc.)
- Is there also a possibility of receiving support through civil servant aid (Beihilfe)?
Please especially confirm whether an application for cost coverage is required before the first session. Bring any necessary documents with you to the initial consultation.
